Synergistic effects of ionic liquid integrated superhydrophobic composite coatings on anti-icing properties

Ice accretion on surfaces presents significant challenges across various applications. To address this, hydrophobic polymer/ionic liquid (IL) composite coatings have emerged as effective solutions for enhancing anti-icing properties. In this study, we explored the potential of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/IL/SiO2 nanoparticle (NP) composite, employing two synergistic strategies: superhydrophobicity to reduce the ice/coating contact area and IL-induced quasi-liquid layer (QLL) formation to improve anti-icing performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and structural analyses were performed to confirm IL dispersion within PDMS matrix, highlighting ion-dipole interactions between PDMS and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI). IL-integrated PDMS/SiO2 composite exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) and water sliding angle (WSA) of 166.6 f 0.5 degrees and 4 f 1 degrees, respectively. The PDMS/IL/SiO2 NPs composite coating exhibited an ice adhesion strength (IAS) of 19 f 1 kPa, which is four times lower than that of the PDMS/SiO2 NPs composite. Additionally, the IL-integrated superhydrophobic composite exhibited the FDT of 325 f 6 s, representing a 14-fold increase compared to that of a bare Al substrate. Overall, the IL-integrated coatings exhibited superior superhydrophobicity and QLL formation, leading to significantly improved FDT and a notable reduction in IAS. These sprayable IL-based composites show great promise as practical anti-icing coatings for extreme cold environments.