Anti-icing approach on flexible slippery microstructure thin-film

In this study, we examine the anti-icing performance on the flexible slippery microstructure thin film in terms of adhesion strength, freezing time, and ice-repellent efficiency. Ecoflex was mixed with low surface tension lubricant to achieve the slippery property. Besides, a process of combining the dry etching and spin coating was used to generate a microstructure on the elastomer thin film. The anti-icing performance on the functionalized sample was then compared with the non-slippery substrates and demonstrated the advantages of the flexible slippery microstructure elastomer in all mentioned properties. In addition, a theoretical approach was used to predict the freezing time of a static droplet. This insight offers a new facile method and design of icephobic surfaces for outdoor applications.

Automated summary

By mixing Ecoflex with a low surface tension lubricant and using a combination of dry etching and spin coating process to create microstructures on elastomer thin films, the study demonstrated the improved anti-icing performance of flexible slippery microstructure thin films.