Anti-icing properties of superhydrophobic stainless steel mesh at subzero temperatures

Abstract

Superhydrophobic stainless steel meshes were designed by using nanosecond laser texturing followed by chemisorption of fluorooxysilanes from solution. The results of the study of anti-icing properties in contact with a humid atmosphere and saltwater and under a cyclic icing/melting process are presented for two types of superhydrophobic meshes. The essential anti-icing performance of fabricated superhydrophobic meshes in the conditions of mild winter season was proved by experiments of different types. Thus, low adhesion of supercooled saltwater droplets to the mesh surface at the studied subzero temperatures was demonstrated. Moreover, the preservation of a supercooled liquid state for saltwater droplets deposited onto both types of samples at temperatures of up to T = −10°C for tens of hours was detected, indicating good anti-icing properties of the coatings. Finally, the chemical stability in long-term contact with an aqueous phase and mechanical stability against stresses accompanying cyclic water freezing/melting shows the good potential of the developed coatings for outdoor winter applications.