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Description
Ice formation and accretion present serious, sometimes catastrophic, safety issues for all kinds of industry where application of the composites components has already become common e.g. wind turbines blades, aircrafts, electric and telecommunication infrastructure as well as other composite and metal constructions exposed to supercooled water droplets both on the ground and in the air. In example, ice on wind turbine blades or aircrafts disrupts airflow by altering the shape of the wing surface, which leads to increased drag and decreased efficiency of the systems what cause necessity for more often servicing and utilization of energy consuming systems.
It is proposed to develop waterborne polyurethane coatings using different methods to fulfil requirements of icephobicity. By applying an innovative approach to simulation and modelling, it could be possible to the design and fabrication of icephobic surfaces with improved functionalities. This knowledge would give a better understanding of the ice accretion process on different coatings and modified surfaces. In the result it is expected to develop durable and effective surfaces with icephobic features that can sufficiently reduce water and ice adhesion as well as slow down ice nucleation, so that supercooled water droplets landing on the surface can be removed effectively before freezing.
Thus, proposed developments will constitute good alternative for presently used in practise electro thermal active systems to reduce or eliminate necessity for electric power consumtion in order to achieve de-icing effect. Taking into consideration future application in industrial environments all methods will meet demands regarding economy, environmentally friendly practices and be feasible to use on large industrial scale.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to develop waterborne polyurethane coatings using different methods to fulfil requirements of icephobicity. By applying an innovative approach to chemical modifications and synthesis of multifunctional modifiers, it was possible to the design and fabricate of icephobic surfaces with improved functionalities. In the result of the project development of durable and effective surfaces with icephobic features sufficiently reducing ice adhesion as well as slow down ice nucleation was conducted.
The project focused on the development of two types of chemical modifiers compositions based on silicon POSS materials as well as components containing fluor based functional groups dedicated to waterborne polyurethane coatings. Further, coatings were tested in icing wind tunnel and during UAV flights. The second part of project activities constituted design and development of heating system which will be tested in ice wind tunnel with the best performance anti icing coatings.
The project with focus on icephobic coatings and a development of POSS coatings, partly with fluorized contents in the composition, showed based on the currently published and submitted works a good success of modifying such materials for anti-icing properties. Laser structuring and heating as additional used techniques contribute well to these activities. The outcomes of the project meet the demands of EU in general as well as European industry and economy. They could improve safety or decrease costs for (un)manned aircraft and windturbine use.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian-Polish partnership was essential for performing this project, introducing in both direction high specific knowhows. Further, it opens channels to exploit the results in a broader range.Bilateral collaboration significantly enhanced the overall impact and success of research on the development of anti-icing coatings and especially chemical modifiers. TTeams involved in the different simulation models brought diverse expertise and knowledge, leading to more comprehensive and robust research outcomes in the area of simulations.Collaboration facilitated skill development, as partners learn from each other culture for conducting of research, cooperation, enhancing skills and expertise within each organization.Project partners plan further collaboration in the area of icephobicity having already knowledge and experience in bilateral collaboration.