Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The accretion of ice and pollution can seriously damage exposed structures. Ice accumulation on outdoor surfaces in cold climate regions leads to hazardous road conditions, damage to power transmission equipment, and the perturbation of rail transportation systems. Ice accretion also accelerates the deterioration of outdoor structures. This project aims to develop a coating that would provide aluminum alloy surfaces with icephobic and easy-clean properties. This novel product would be based on a polyurethane acrylate (PU-acrylate) coating developed by Nanophyll that has both hydrophobic and anti-corrosion properties. This coating has shown good flexibility when used in various settings including the transportation, construction, and decoration sectors where there are challenges related to the removal of unwanted or accidental stains on aluminum structures. This new coating would target several areas where ice accumulation on aluminum surfaces is problematic, including construction, transportation, automotive, aerospace, and agricultural settings. The central objective of this project is to incorporate surface functionalized micro- and nanoparticles into a PU-acrylate coating to create a micro-nanotextured surface that fosters icephobic and self-cleaning properties. The type, size, and dispersal of micro-nanoparticles within the polymer matrix will be optimized to achieve a truly superhydrophobic and easy-clean coating. Furthermore, we will test the resistance of the coating to harsh environmental conditions; a durable coating significantly reduces operation and maintenance costs related to the coated structures. The accumulation of ice and pollution on coatings, however, reduces their performance and durability. As such, we will ensure that the developed easy to clean coating is also icephobic so as to prolong its resistance and efficacy on aluminum surfaces.