Biomimetic Xanthium Strumarium Inspired Superhydrophobic Anti‐/De‐Icing Films with Near‐Infrared Light‐Induced Self‐Healing

Abstract Superhydrophobic surfaces are susceptible to structural deformation and damage during use, which significantly impacts their long‐term stability and performance in anti‐/de‐icing applications. To address this challenge, a biomimetic superhydrophobic polyurethane film inspired by Xanthium strumarium (PBXS) is proposed. This film not only delivers efficient anti‐/de‐icing performance but also demonstrates exceptional long‐term durability. Even when the surface structure undergoes deformation or complete fracture, it can quickly self‐heal under near‐infrared light, restoring its original properties. The results show that, due to the superhydrophobic micron spine array and photothermal effect, PBXS can delay droplet freezing at low temperatures (−10 °C, 2052 s) and enable rapid de‐icing (1 sun, 187 s). Moreover, by incorporating the shape‐memory properties of thermoplastic polyurethane and self‐healing capability, PBXS effectively addresses issues related to surface deformation (after ten deformation‐healing cycles, PBXS maintains a water contact angle of 157 ± 1° and a rolling angle of 15.4 ± 1°) and material rupture (after ten fracture‐healing cycles, PBXS retains a water contact angle of 152 ± 1° and a rolling angle of 16.1 ± 1°). This innovative approach enhances the long‐term performance of anti‐/de‐icing films and shows significant potential for applications in road transportation, power transmission lines, and other anti‐/de‐icing fields.