Anti-frosting/anti-icing property of nano-ZnO superhydrophobic surface on Al alloy prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering

Abstract

Superhydrophobic (SHP) surfaces had promising application in anti-icing field. In this work, ZnO SHP surfaces were prepared on aluminum alloy by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The structure, chemical composition, morphology, wettability of the SHP surfaces were investigated by using corresponding methods. The anti-frosting/anti-icing performance of the ZnO SHP surfaces were investigated. Morphology of surfaces showed that sputtering time affected the surface morphology of the ZnO surfaces. When the sputtering time was 15 min, the rough structure exhibited excellent anti-frosting/anti-icing property due to the exceptional superhydrophobicity and selftransfer behavior at subzero temperature, which composed by densely gathered nanoclusters. The freezing of water droplets was delayed for about 2 h, and frosting was delayed for approximately 5 h at the temperature of −10°C. The SHP surfaces could efficiently enhance the anti-icing property in glaze ice. Meanwhile, the as-prepared ZnO SHP surfaces displayed a low ice-adhesion strength of 12±4.7 kPa. However, the structure with large undulation and pore space reduced the anti-frosting/anti-icing property of the SHP surface. This work provided a direction for the design and preparation of antiicing surfaces for power transmission lines.

Effect of sputtering power and substrate temperature on structural, optical, wettability and anti-icing characteristics of aluminium doped zinc oxide

“…The deposited thin films were hydrophobic, and frosting and icing were delayed on the substrates that were coated with ZnO thin films. In addition, the ice adhesion strength of coated substrates was lower than that of bare substrates [11].…”

“…As a result, research into effective anti-icing methods was critical. Many hydrophobic surfaces have been manufactured by researchers for prospective uses such as selfcleaning, anti-icing, anti-frosting, and anticorrosion all encouraged by the lotus effect [11].…”

Superhydrophobic ZnO Nanowires: Wettability Mechanisms and Functional Applications

“…68 After 15 min of ZnO radio frequency magnetron sputtering on Al, the surface does not freeze for 2 h and is not covered in frost for 5 h at −10 °C. 69 The ability of the surface to avoid frosting depends on the amount of air in the surface morphology. It was reported that for a stainless steel surface with fluorinated circular holes and ZnO nanowires around them, substrate frosting is delayed by 63 h at −21 °C and 75% humidity, compared to just 3 h for a bare stainless steel substrate.…”

“…At 0°, complete fogging of the surface is avoided as water forms droplets, which can be easily blown off . After 15 min of ZnO radio frequency magnetron sputtering on Al, the surface does not freeze for 2 h and is not covered in frost for 5 h at −10 °C …”

Fabrication of a Porous Slippery Icephobic Surface and Effect of Lubricant Viscosity on Anti-Icing Properties and Durability

“…Inspired by the idea of the lotus effect, superhydrophobic surfaces have shown promise as anti-icing materials because the cooled water could roll away from the surfaces [9,10]. However, recent reports have indicated that superhydrophobicity would be lost if water vapor condensed on the micro-nanostructure of superhydrophobic surfaces under conditions of low temperature with high humidity [11].…”