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Icing is a multiphase/multiscale/multiparameter physical process, and is of frequent occurrence when suitable conditions with temperature, pressure and humidity are met. In the present work, we prepared a series of PDMS-matrix nanocomposite films with different SWCNT contents, which were endowed with hydrophobicity based on the low-surface-energy PDMS matrix and the conductivity on the SWCNT filler. Furthermore, by etching the pillar-textured structure on its surface, the nanocomposite with 5.0 wt% SWCNT was given the superhydrophobicity. These nanocomposites can be easily switched from a hydrophobic anti-icing mode to an electro-thermal deicing mode by supplying a low voltage. Using non-contact infrared thermometry, we presented an analysis of the freezing phase transition process of a single water droplet on cooling surfaces with different wettability, and investigated their ice nucleation rate and macroscopic growth velocity on these surfaces. The ice-retarding capability of superhydrophobic nanocomposite surface subjected to lots of condensed droplets was also confirmed, and understanding in light of weak contact interaction with droplets. Also under consideration is the icephobicity after freezing in terms of ice shear strength. In addition, we performed a statistical analysis about the Joule heat distribution on nanocomposite surface, the results of which demonstrated that the nanocomposite could supply a suitable heating function for active deicing, demonstrating with an energy-input deicing experiment subsequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Superhydrophobic anti-icing/deicing film prepared by laser etching technique. • Active heating eliminates mechanical interlocking between ice and surface. • Micropillars capture more light than smooth surfaces. Superhydrophobic materials have received wide attention in anti-/deicing field because of their hydrophobicity and anti-icing properties. In this paper, a MXene/PEI (Polyetherimide) superhydrophobic anti-/deicing composite film was prepared by laser etching method. The micropillar etched on the film surface can provide superhydrophobicity and increase the light area. The superhydrophobic film coupled with photothermal MXene possess both anti-icing and active deicing properties. The results show that the freezing time of droplets on the MXene/PEI composite film surface is 7 times longer compared to untreated PEI film. In the photothermal deicing mode, the surface temperature rises rapidly when the surface is activated by near infrared light, reaching an equilibrium temperature of up to 188 °C. The photothermal behavior can completely melt the ice droplets on the surface within 19 s, achieving an efficient and stable deicing effect. This research work will broaden the design and preparation ideas of anti-/deicing film, which has broad application prospects in aerospace and industrial equipment fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice accumulation often threatens the safety of human life and property. How to effectively solve the problem of solid surface icing has been the research work of many researchers. However, how to prepare superhydrophobic and anti-icing film with multi-strategy collaborative deicing is still facing great challenges. In this paper, a design strategy of photothermal and electrothermal superhydrophobic nanocomposite film based on polyetherimide (PEI) was proposed. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were dispersed in PEI matrix by solution blending method, and a lotus leaf like rectangular micropillar array was constructed on the surface of the film by laser etching technology. Then, the surface was fluorinated to further reduce the surface energy. Finally, a kind of MWCNT/PEI nanocomposite film with passive anti-icing and active deicing with photothermal and electrothermal collaboration was successfully prepared. The freezing time of droplets on MWCNT/PEI nanocomposite film is about 6.7 times longer than that of pure PEI film. This film exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity (CA = 156.6°), while also having excellent photothermal and electrothermal conversion properties. In addition, we also conducted various tests on MWCNT/PEI nanocomposite film to verify its reliability in the actual application environment. The MWCNT/PEI nanocomposite film with the function of anti-icing and photothermal and electrothermal active deicing is expected to solve the problem of solid surface icing in daily life, and also provides a new idea for the development of a new generation of anti-icing/deicing film. [Display omitted] • Superhydrophobic anti-icing/deicing film prepared by laser etching technique. • Dual strategy synergistic active deicing. • Micropillar can capture more light, increase the photothermal conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]