Long-term hydrophobicity and ice adhesion strength of latex paints containing silicone oil microcapsules

Waterborne anti-icing coatings were prepared by embedding silicone oil microcapsules in latex paints. The long-term hydrophobicity and ice adhesion strength of the coatings were examined with a QUV accelerated weathering tester and a pull-off adhesion tester. The effects of silicone oil content and pigment/binder (PB) ratio on the long-term hydrophobicity and the ice adhesion strength of the coatings were investigated. A higher silicone oil content and a PB ratio close to the critical pigment volume concentration favor long-term hydrophobicity of the coatings. An obvious decrease in ice adhesion strength was achieved for coatings with a PB ratio of 5.0 and a silicone oil content of 4.2%. For coatings with the same surface roughness, a higher water contact angle (WCA) led to lower ice adhesion strength. However, for coatings with different surface roughnesses, the ice adhesion strength was found to be dependent on surface roughness rather than on WCA.