Facile one-step fabrication of PHC/PDMS anti-icing coatings with mechanical properties and good durability

Abstract

Undesired ice accumulation on surfaces leads to serious threats to both transportation systems and human life. Although superhydrophobic coatings have demonstrated attractive performance for icephobic applications, their use has been restricted due to their weak mechanical properties and complex preparation processes. In the present study, a facile and efficient strategy for the development of a novel super-repellent icephobic coating was demonstrated. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and cross-linked poly[hexeafluorobisphenol A-co-cyclotriphosphazene] microspheres (PHC) were prepared by a single-step precipitation polymerization without further surface modifications. The facilely fabricated coating demonstrated a high static water contact angle of ∼164° and a low sliding angle of ∼3.7°. More importantly, the coating exhibited exceptional mechanical durability against various damages, due to the synergistic effects of the micro/nanoscale surface structure and the strong and stable interaction between the PHC particles and PDMS. More remarkably, the coating showed good self-cleaning and anti-icing properties in a clammy environment (−15 ℃, relative humidity = 70%). This study offers insights into the preparation of a mechanically robust and cost-effective coating for various practical anti-icing applications.