Anti-icing efficiency on bio-inspired slippery elastomer surface

In this study, we conducted a facile method to fabricate an anti-icing surface on elastomer thin film by combining the PDMS nanostructure with the low surface tension lubricant. PDMS solution was mixed with slippery lubricant Krytox 1506 in a rational concentration and followed by a plasma dry etching process to promote the anti-icing performance in terms of shear stress and water repellency ability. Experimental results were compared with the reference substrates and demonstrated the advantages of the slippery surface in all mentioned scenarios. In addition, the functionalized surfaces also present high durability and good transparency, demonstrating a new facile method and design for outdoor anti-icing devices.

Automated summary

This study developed an easy method to fabricate a durable and transparent anti-icing surface on an elastomer thin film by combining PDMS nanostructure with a low surface tension lubricant. The slippery surface showed advantages in terms of anti-icing performance and water repellency, demonstrating a new design for outdoor anti-icing devices.