Superhydrophobic Coating Solutions for Deicing Control in Aircraft

The risk of accidents caused by ice adhesion on critical aircraft surfaces is a significant concern. To combat this, active ice protection systems (AIPS) are installed on aircraft, which, while effective, also increase fuel consumption and add complexity to the aircraft systems. Replacing AIPS with Passive Ice Protection Systems (PIPS) or reducing the energy consumption of AIPS could significantly decrease aircraft fuel consumption. Superhydrophobic (SH) coatings have been developed to reduce water adherence to surfaces and have the potential to reduce ice adhesion, commonly referred to as icephobic coatings. The question remains whether such coatings could reduce the cost associated with AIPS and provide durability and performance through suitable tests. In this paper, we then review current knowledge of superhydrophobic and icephobic coatings as potential passive solutions to be utilized alternatively in combination with active systems. We can identify physical parameters, coating composition, structure, roughness, and morphology, durability as properties not to be neglected in the design and development of reliable protection systems in aircraft maintenance.