Novel Super Hydrophobic Durable Nanocomposite Coatings for Reduction of Ice Adhesion

Superhydrophobic surfaces have aroused curiosity over the years due to their potential for use in ice-phobic applications. Superhydrophobicity can be obtained by tailoring the chemistry and the roughness of the surface, mimicking the lotus leaf. Most superhydrophobic surfaces lose their roughness in harsh conditions and are unsuitable for practical applications. Here we present two routes to achieve durability. First, a top down approach was used for replicating nanostructured surfaces into thermoplastic films. Second, a bottom up approach was used comprising photoreactive SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with reactive species that can covalently bond to any polymer matrix with C-C and C-H bonds. Preliminary results for both approaches indicate the formation of superhydrophobic surfaces (CA>150 and SA<10) with improved durability.