Hygroscopic Polymer Monolayers with Ultralow Ice Adhesion Strength: Investigating Factors Influencing Ice Shedding Performance

Surface-grafted hygroscopic polymer monolayers, lubricated by unfrozen water at subzero temperatures, have previously reduced ice adhesion strength (τ) on glass by up to 4-fold at -20 °C. In this study, we employ a different initiator system for surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, enabling precise control over initiator and polymer grafting densities. Monolayer thickness is tuned via polymerization time and monomer concentration, and a novel method is introduced for its measurement. Systematic variation of coating type, thickness, and grafting density reveals an optimal formulation that lowers τ by 33 ± 4 times at -20 °C, an unprecedented performance for hygroscopic monolayers. These results highlight the strong potential of such coatings for ice shedding and inform the design of self-replenishing ice-shedding surfaces.