Icephobic Gradient Polymer Coatings Coupled with Electromechanical De-icing Systems: A Promising Ice Repellent Hybrid System

Icephobic materials and systems are highly desired in regions and seasons where daily life activities are hindered by the presence of ice. The combination of icephobic materials with active de-icing systems, known as hybrid systems, is a promising way to optimize efficiency in ice removal, while reducing power consumption. However, the development of hybrid systems is limited by their lifespan and the incompatibility of most icephobic materials with the operating mode of the active system. Here we present a hybrid system comprising a gradient polymer coating deposited with initiated chemical vapor deposition and a resonant piezoelectric de-icing system. The de-icing performance is evaluated in an icing wind tunnel, where the system is capable of detaching ice blocks in less than 1 s, regardless the ice type and covered area. An in-depth ice detachment study confirms that ice adhesion reduction is an intrinsic property of the coating, independent from external factors. The nanometric nature of the coating enables efficient operation of the resonant de-icing systems. The coating shows outstanding durability against the de-icing cycles, abrasion, water erosion, and delamination. The results showcase the hybrid systems potential in real-world applications to contrast icing. A hybrid system for de-icing made of gradient polymer coatings, deposited on aluminum coupled with an electromechanical system, is demonstrated as an effective and durable strategy for reducing drastically ice adhesion. The system is capable of detaching ice blocks over the coating in less than 1 s, regardless of the ice type and covered area.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH