In this work, we have investigated copolymer/silica nanocomposites for anti-icing applications that can be covalently grafted to any substrate containing C-H bonds. The copolymers of interest consists of benzophenone, hexafluorobutyl and a variety of other comonomers that under mild UV irradiation, generates a densely cross-linked network that includes immobilizing well-dispensed nanoparticles to a substrate. Investigations into substituent effects lead to important discrimination between cross-linking reactions and chain scission reactions. The iso-butyl acrylate comonomer promotes photoreaction efficiency in terms of kinetic and network robustness leading to films that can sustain high shear forces and abrasion. The anti-icing capability of the composite was investigated using the impact of super-cooled water on the substrate. The composite maintains its icephobicity after Taber testing with multiple abrasion cycles using a 300 g load, demonstrating excellent mechanical resistance. In addition, this study has led to a rational design of polymers that can maximize permanent attachment of different surface functionalities in terms of grafting density and reaction kinetics.

Permanently grafted abrasion resistant nanocomposites for anti-icing applications

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.