Investigation on Superhydrophobic and Icephobic Coatings For Anti-icing in Aircraft

Abstract

In-flight ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces is a major concern from safety point of view. Many techniques have been used for decades but finding a low-cost approach without loss of power has attained more focus in recent years. This paper presents the investigation outcomes of superhydrophobic and iccephobic coatings for the anti-icing application. A specimen of 6061 Aluminum Alloy with PTFE coating is analyzed using the Ansys FENSAP-ICE simulation tool and subsequently was subjected to contact angle test. The PTFE coating shows excellent superhydrophobic nature and can serve the aircraft anti-icing requirements at low cost.