Impact of Crosslinking Density on Icephobic Performance of Polyurethane Coatings

Ice accumulation on surfaces presents significant challenges in aerospace, marine, and industrial applications, necessitating the development of effective anti-icing strategies. While traditional active de-icing methods, such as thermal heating and mechanical removal, require high energy consumption, passive icephobic coatings offer a more sustainable and energy-efficient alternative. This study investigates polyurethane (PU) coatings formulated using an acrylic polyol (G-CURE ۱۷-۰۱۰۵) and an aliphatic polyisocyanate (DesmodurⓇ N ۷۵ BA) in stoichiometric (PU-S) and non-stoichiometric (PU-NS) ratios. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed complete curing in PU-S, while PU-NS retained free hydroxyl groups. Contact angle measurements indicated that PU-NS exhibited greater hydrophilicity, leading to the formation of a quasi-liquid layer (QLL) that significantly reduced ice adhesion. The lower crosslinking density in PU-NS allowed for enhanced hydrogen bonding, further promoting QLL formation. These findings highlight the crucial role of crosslinking density in optimizing icephobic performance. The results suggest that balancing hydrophilicity and crosslinking in polyurethane coatings can improve their anti-icing efficiency. Future research should explore the long-term durability and environmental resistance of these coatings to enhance their applicability in real-world conditions. By optimizing formulation strategies, PU-based coatings could serve as a reliable solution for mitigating ice adhesion in extreme environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Icephobic Coatings ، Polyurethane (PU) Coatings ، Crosslinking Density ، Ice Adhesion Reduction ، Quasi-Liquid Layer (QLL)