Bioinspired durable interpenetrating network anti-icing coatings enabled by binders and hydrophobic-ion specific synergies

Abstract

Designing a coating with a comprehensive range of anti-icing properties is a difficult challenge in the current complex and variable icing environment. Bionic anti-icing coatings have received widespread attention in recent years, but their exposure to mechanical damage conditions tends to result in insufficient durability. This work proposes a novel approach inspired by the antifreeze proteins (AFPs) found in fish, wherein a durable interpenetrating coating with excellent anti-icing and deicing performance is designed by combining a fluorinated amphiphilic ionic polymer with a biomimetic binder. The incorporation of hydrophobic fluorinated chain segments and amphiphilic ionic chain segments effectively inhibits ice nucleation (DT = 2010 s, TIN = − 22.1 °C), slows down ice propagation, and reduces ice adhesion (τ = 22.2 kPa) through the synergistic effect of hydrophobicity and ionic specificity. Furthermore, the addition of a bionic binder to create an interpenetrating network enhances the mechanical properties and anti-icing durability of the coating. Moreover, it can further function as anti-fogging, self-cleaning, and antibacterial for glass surfaces, demonstrating significant potential in the new generation of optical and medical devices.