Design and Fabrication Processes of Icephobic Surfaces

Researchers at GW have invented design and fabrication processes associated with the prevention of ice formation in various surfaces with a particular focus on surfaces associated with sea-ships, space-ships, high-altitude airplanes, and high-altitude aircrafts associated with space travel. One design invented is capable of delaying icing for at least 18 hours at a temperature of -20°C. Yet another design is capable of perpetual delaying of icing with respect to a given temperature. As is apparent, these designs not only are cost-effective, but also are environmentally friendly.

The invention addresses issues associated with surfaces having high surface energies which has heretofore been unaddressed. The invention includes, in one embodiment, the use of a woven cloth, metal mesh, or glass fibers that can assist in the prevention of ice formation. In another embodiment, the invention incudes utilizing piezoelectric fibers coupled with memory alloy wires or memory polymers, aluminum sheets, phase change materials that include organic acids and polar molecular structures in a functional structure that allows the generation of electricity and heat that can prevent the formation of ice in various surfaces.

Applications:

• Airplane deicing
• Various deicing safety aspects associated with space dwelling
• Shipboard deicing
• Replaceable deicing tapes that can be attached to various surfaces including lifeboat latches, radar antenna, communications gears, windows, etc.
• Other surfaces associated with sea-ships, space-ships, high-altitude airplanes, and high-altitude aircrafts associated with space travel

Advantages:

• Delays icings on surfaces for at least 18 hours at temperatures of -20°C, a time higher than 10 hours at freezing temperatures, and perpetually with respect to a given temperature
• Cost-effective