SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed research investigates the feasibility of developing an innovative icephobic coating that will prevent ice accretion on metallic and composite surfaces via the phenomenon of passive dynamics. The feasibility studies involve designing a surface that stresses the ice-surface interface as the ice forms. A material will be incorporated in the coating formulation which will exist in a passive or dormant state under most environmental conditions, but upon the imposition of ice-forming conditions the material becomes "active". This dynamic action is expected to form a truly icephobic coating. The success of the research program will result in a significant step forward in the state of the art of suppressing ice accretion upon a variety of different surfaces where ice buildup can cause serious problems. Benefit The development of an improved icephobic coating will have important applications in reducing the many risks due to frost and icing of runways, radio towers, drilling platforms, aircrafts and supply ships. Basically anywhere that ice accretion is a problem there is a potential application. Keywords icephobic, ice control, Coatings, accretion

Advanced ice prevention technology is required to meet the US Navy's needs in protecting ship superstructures and personnel from the damaging effects of ice accretion. Severe ice accretion on ship superstructures can result in drastic loss of stability and handling. Many de-icing methods have been developed around the concept of mechanical or thermal energy. These methods are efficient but they are both time and energy consuming and require elaborate infrastructures and maintenance. The ideal solution would be the application of a coating that minimizes or completely prevents ice accretion on the ship structures. The coating should withstand weathering and offer consistent performance with each icing event. In Phase I, the effectiveness of a novel icephobic coating that will prevent ice accretion on metallic and composite surfaces via the phenomenon of passive dynamics is demonstrated. The proposed Phase II program would extend the benefits of this novel technology to user friendly and environmentally compliant icephobic coatings for a variety of Navy ship structures. An expanded test plan would include optimizing the icephobic formulations and extensively testing treated composite and metallic substrates for the prevention of ice accretion and environmental durability. Methodology will be developed for scaling up and applying optimized icephobic coatings. Optimized icephobic coatings will be qualification tested for ultimate naval certification.

Keywords:
Ice Control, Icephobic, Coatings, Accretion, Composites