Dynamic Icing Behavior of Icephobic Interfaces Under High‐Humidity, High‐Wind, and Low‐Temperature Conditions

View at publisher
Authors: Chen Yang, Shiqi Sun, Xiangyun Cheng, Shangzhen Xie, Zhiguang Guo
Cited by: 3
References: 58

Abstract

ABSTRACT Superwetting interfaces have demonstrated tremendous application potential in the field of anti‐icing due to their excellent ice‐repellent performance. However, under dynamic icing conditions such as low temperature, high humidity, and high wind speed, the surface icing behavior becomes more complex and still faces numerous challenges. Compared with traditional static icing environments, dynamic conditions introduce stronger convective heat transfer, more diverse crystallization and nucleation pathways, and faster ice growth kinetics. These factors not only intensify the ice formation process but also more closely resemble real environmental icing scenarios. In this study, a composite icephobic interface was constructed to systematically investigate the influence of dynamic environments (high humidity, high wind speed, and low temperature) on anti‐icing performance, and to elucidate the differences between dynamic and static icing processes in terms of nucleation mechanisms, ice crystal growth behavior, and deicing performance. Owing to the synergistic effects of the biomimetic antifreeze hydrogel and the superhydrophobic fabric mesh, the surface prevented droplet freezing under static conditions above −20°C and achieved significantly prolonged freezing delay times of 1877 and 407 s under dynamic conditions at −10°C and −20°C, respectively. Furthermore, based on its stable anti‐icing performance under dynamic conditions, the composite interface was further applied to wind turbine blades to explore its potential for operation under extreme environmental conditions. This study not only elucidates the multidimensional influence mechanisms of external environmental factors on the dynamic icing process but also verifies the adaptability of the composite interface in wind power applications, providing new insights and theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of high‐performance anti‐icing surfaces suitable for complex environments.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Icing and De-icing Technologies Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
40
Publication date
20 March 2026
Language
EN