Study of Supercooled Water Drop Impact on Icephobic Gradient Polymer Coatings

     The paper of the day investigates the impact of supercooled water drops on icephobic gradient polymer coatings focusing on how these coatings are developed using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), influencing the freezing probability of water drops upon impact. An experimental investigation in a cold wind tunnel was conducted to examine the impact of supercooled water drops on gradient polymer coating substrates at different wind speeds. Experimental results show that the coatings reduce ice formation by promoting drop rebound and roll-off rather than freezing. The gradient polymer coatings prevent ice accumulation under high wind conditions, making them valuable for applications in transportation, aviation, and energy infrastructure.