Novel Aircraft Anti-Ice Coating Material

Accumulation of ice on aicraft wings and structural elements is a significant safety concern during cold weather conditions. Monitoring of ice formation and subsequent removal also requires a large investment of resources and has negative environmental effects. The development of novel strategies to minimize ice accretion and removal time from aircraft would greatly benefit both civilian and military aviation industries. In the Phase 1 research program we propose the creation and testing of novel nanocomposite coatings that minimize both ice accretion and adherence to military topcoat surfaces. These coatings are designed as multi-functional composites for enhanced activity. A first component of the coating is a ultrahydrophobic activity to prevent ice droplet adherence and minimize adhesion strength. A second active component in the coating can depress the freezing point, or facilitate the removal of adhered ice. Coatings will be formulated and characterized for ultrahydrophobic activity, mechanical integrity, stability and water freezing point depression activity. The promising icephobic coatings will be further tested in static ice adhesion assays and ice accretion studies using an icing wind tunnel. This study will provide a foundation for field testing of icephobic coating candidates during the Phase II research program.