CNTs-induced superhydrophobic and photothermal coating with long-term durability and self-replenishing property for anti-icing/de-icing

Ice formation and accumulation of various equipment often leads to economic loss and severe traffic accidents. Although numerous anti-icing coating strategies have been exploited in recent years, robust and durable surfaces for effective anti-icing and de-icing remains a big challenge. In this work, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mSiO₂) were loaded with high-dosage polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to prepare hydrophobic PDMS@mSiO₂ aggregates, which was then incorporated into silicon resin matrix together with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), to construct a near infrared-responsive anti-icing/de-icing coating by a one-step spraying method. The PDMS@mSiO₂ particles imparted to the coating micro-scaled roughness and low surface energy, and the CNTs supplemented the formation of micro-nano hierarchical structure to enhance the water repellency and offered the photothermal property. Consequently, the prepared coating possessed superhydrophobic character with the contact angle up to 154.3° as well as the delayed freezing time of 440 s at −20 °C, nearly 73 times of that on aluminum plates. Furthermore, the as-obtained coating exhibited robust adhesion and stable anti-icing properties under various harsh environmental conditions, which is promising for anti-icing and de-icing modification of rotor wings with robustness and long-term durability.