Patent attributes
Durable icephobic materials form anti-ice coatings on a variety of substrates, including for aircraft, powerlines, vehicles, marine structures, communications towers, outdoor equipment, and the like. The icephobic may comprise an elastomeric polymer with a low crosslink density (e.g., ≤1,300 mol/m3) and low initial ice adhesion strength (e.g., τice≤100 kPa prior to exposure to icing conditions). Further, the icephobic material maintains τice after 10 icing/deicing cycles that is ≥50% of the initial τice Introducing optional miscible liquids enhances interfacial slippage of chains in the elastomeric polymer. The low τice levels minimize ice buildup and eliminate necessary work to remove any accumulated ice via passive removal during normal operation. Other icephobic materials include linear polymers with plasticizers distributed therein or PDMS-silane coatings, both of which are free of any layers of surface liquids. Methods of making such icephobic materials are also provided.
