Development of PDMS/PTFE Composite Coatings for Enhanced Icephobic Performance

Ice accumulation poses major challenges in aerospace, energy, and transportation by compromising efficiency, safety, and structural integrity. This study presents a durable icephobic coating composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), designed to optimize mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and viscoelasticity. Coatings were spray-deposited on aluminum substrates and characterized using FTIR, XPS, and water contact angle measurements. Increasing PTFE content enhanced surface roughness and hydrophobicity, significantly reducing ice adhesion and delaying freezing onset. An optimized PDMS:PTFE ratio of ۶:۴ delivered the best performance, combining mechanical durability with effective ice repellency, and withstood repeated freezing-thawing cycles without degradation. Compared to uncoated surfaces, ice adhesion strength was reduced by up to ۸۰%. These results support the coating's potential for real-world anti-icing applications on aircraft, wind turbines, power lines, and marine equipment, offering a promising solution for harsh weather environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Icephobic Coating ، Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) ، Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ، Hydrophobicity ، Ice Adhesion Strength