Investigation of the parameters affecting the performance of icephobic coatings via the analysis of nucleation rates and adhesion forces

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The proposed research will build upon the existing studies of icephobic coatings. For the most part that has consisted of utilising superhydrophobic coatings that mimic biological phenomena to reduce water-surface adhesion, though some other mechanisms have been investigated. Icephobic coatings have successfully been fabricated from a variety of materials, including polymers, composites and metals. A variety of these coating materials will be investigated for their icephobicity, with laboratory fabrication of coatings also to be carried out. The topic will require knowledge of wettability, ice nucleation and adhesion forces, on which further research will be carried out over the course of the project.