Robust epoxy-modified superhydrophobic coating for aircraft anti-icing systems

To meet the requirements of hydrophobicity, durability, and anti-icing properties for aircraft coatings, a hydrophobic modified epoxy matrix was incorporated with micro-nano fluoropolymer particles to prepare a superhydrophobic coating. This composite coating exhibited decreased surface energy and significantly improved hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. The coating exhibited the maximum contact angle and the minimum sliding angle of 160° and 2°, respectively, and maintained its superhydrophobic properties even after 240 abrasion cycles and 360 s of sand blasting. Moreover, the coating exhibited good adhesion, corrosion and ageing resistance, and self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, water droplets rapidly bounced off the superhydrophobic coating and the freezing time was effectively extended. The coating exhibited long-term, stable anti-icing performance and, thus, was found to be applicable in aircraft anti-icing systems.