From theory to application: Innovative ice-phobic polyurethane coatings by studying material parameters, mechanical insights, and additives

Abstract

This investigation introduces new insights into the influence of material parameters on the anti-icing properties of polyurethane (PU) coatings, encompassing chemical characteristics, cross-link densities, mechanical analysis, and additive diversity. To comprehensively address these aspects, a meticulous exploration was conducted to delve into the effects of these parameters on wettability and icephobicity. To fabricate the PU coatings, three distinct acrylic polyols with various hydroxyl content along with two widely employed aliphatic isocyanates boasting diverse %NCO values were utilized. By employing stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric ratios, an array of coatings with different crosslink densities and mechanical properties was fabricated. The principal influence of crosslink density alterations in PU coatings on ice nucleation temperature and ice adhesion strength emerged distinctly, underpinned by the establishment of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and polar functional groups within the coating, coupled with the appearance of a quasi-liquid layer (QLL). The mechanical properties, wettability characteristics, and surface roughness of the coatings were examined and it was clearly demonstrated that Young's modulus and physicochemical properties play significant roles in the characteristics of ice adhesion strength. In particular, lower Young's modulus in the samples was associated with reduced ice adhesion, albeit with compromised durability. In the next step of this investigation, the matrix demonstrating optimal mechanical properties and icephobicity was subjected to surface energy adjustment. This was accomplished by introducing various concentrations of both fluorinated and non-fluorinated additives. This adjustment led to a significant reduction of ice adhesion strength, measuring less than 100 Kpa as an icephobic PU coating. Nevertheless, it was observed that the effectiveness of the fluorinated additives diminished after repetitive icing-deicing cycles, while the non-fluorinated additive maintained its influence on ice adhesion strength even after numerous cycles. The interplay between material attributes, mechanical properties, and additive influences has been meticulously unraveled, charting a course for further advancements in the pursuit of robust icephobic coating.