Low ice adhesion anti-icing coatings based on PEG release from mesoporous silica particle loaded SBS

Release-based extremely low ice adhesion strength and durable anti-icing coatings were designed and realized by loading mesoporous silica particles (MSP) into the SBS polymer matrix and filling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the anti-icing agent into MSP/SBS composites. This approach allows the formation of a thin lubricating liquid layer of PEG and water at the ice/composite interface at sub-zero temperatures and results in ice adhesion strength as low as 3 kPa. The high specific surface area of MSP (428 m(2) g(-1)) as the anti-icing agent carrier significantly contributed to the retainment of PEG in the composites. The freezing time of water droplets on the composites increased and the ice adhesion strength decreased with the amount of PEG retained in the composites. After 15 icing/deicing cycles, the ice adhesion strength was measured to be similar to 5 kPa indicating a rather slow release (and removal with ice) of PEG at -10 degrees C from surface-exposed pores of MSP. The importance of PEG at the ice/composite interface was confirmed by ice adhesion strength measurements of frozen PEG-containing aqueous solutions on unfilled MSP/SBS composites. These results clearly show that PEG filled MSP/SBS composites demonstrate a passive anti-icing mechanism based on sustained release of PEG with extremely low ice adhesion strength and significant potential for longer-term use in sub-zero temperature and harsh environments.