Robust and durable surperhydrophobic F-DLC coating for anti-icing in aircrafts engineering

Abstract

The nose cones of plane engines adjust the airflow direction and guarantee steady operation but they are vulnerable to icing at high altitude leading to potential hazards and accidents. Superhydrophobicity is effective against icing but most organic superhydrophobic materials are not suitable for engineering applications. Herein, a mechanically robust superhydrophobic coating is prepared on stainless steel by incorporating laser-textured micro/nano structures into the plasma-coated multilayered structure of Cr/CrC/DLC/F-DLC. The multilayered coating shows a stable surface contact angle of > 150 degrees in addition of robust mechanical properties even in harsh environments such as prolonged ultraviolet light irradiation, wear, and corrosion. Tests conducted under simulated working conditions reveal significantly reduced ice accumulation on the coating because of easy roll-off of droplets consequently giving rise to excellent anti-icing properties.