Abstract

Ice accumulation on aerodynamic surfaces of aircrafts is one of the major threats facing aerospace companies. A potential solution to alleviate the problems caused by aircraft icing is the development of a slippery surface that can delay ice build-up and facilitate its removal. Using suspension plasma spraying of submicron-sized TiO2 feedstock particles, a porous microstructure has been developed which comprises pillars approximately 200 μm in height. These surfaces can be impregnated using various lubricating liquids/oils where the micro-pores can act as reservoirs. The resulting solid/oil interface is exceptionally slippery with a water contact angle hysteresis smaller than 2° which allows water droplets to slide on the surface with minimal energy dissipation. Icing tests in an icing wind tunnel have demonstrated icing mitigation, reduced ice adhesion and reasonable durability. Different types of oils with various properties have been used to determine the best performance and durability at different icing/deicing conditions. Additionally, confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been used to study the microstructure and microtexture of the coatings as well as oil penetration in the pores and oil depletion after coatings have been tested in icing conditions.