Easily fabricated icephobic surface with external and self-replenishing properties

Abstract

Ice accretion has adverse effects on outdoor equipment, and slippery liquid-infused surface has attracted increasing attention due to its low ice adhesion strength (τice) and great potential in practical application. However, the surface lubricant loss leads to the failure of icephobicity in this system. In this paper, the icephobic surface with external and self-replenishing properties (RDLS) is prepared to enhance anti-icing and deicing properties by the facile method with infusing the silicone oil and fumed silica into the epoxy resin adhesive. As an outcome, the prepared RDLS exhibit anti-icing and deicing properties, and it also shows mechanical durability. Meanwhile, the use of fumed silica is proposed to act as a reservoir for silicone oil to extend the lifetime of oil-releasing properties. The icephobicity of the coating can also be improved by the proper amount of fumed silica. Furthermore, obtained RDLS showed superior sustainability, and the silicone oil in the coating can be replenished easily. The problem of icephobic failure caused by lubricant loss is solved effectively. This work provides a new and facile way to fabricate an icephobic coating with external and self-replenishing properties.