The three-line synergistic icephobicity of conductive CNTs/PDMS nanocomposite with bio-inspired hierarchical surface

The icephobic surface is of great importance for many industries and has been gaining much attention worldwide. The present work investigated the three-line (i.e., before icing, icing, and after icing) synergistic icephobicity based on CNTs/PDMS nanocomposites with different surface categories. Meanwhile, the mechanisms underlying the observed phenomenon were also elucidated within the framework of classical nucleation theory, thermodynamic analysis, and Joule heating. That is, before ice: the rebounding behavior for successive water droplets was investigated to verify the dynamic icephobicity on the as-prepared nanocomposite surfaces; Icing: the thermodynamic (temperature-time) curves were plotted to analyze the icing phase transition process for static water droplets on the nanocomposite surface according to classical nucleation theory, and the wetting state transition during the icing process was also claimed. After icing: the electro-thermal function of the nanocomposite surface provided a final line for active deicing, which served as an alternative strategy if the first two passive defensive lines lose efficacy.