Current score BMWi research project "Anti-Ice"

(Runtime: Sept. 2015 - Aug. 2017)

For a year, Rhenotherm's research team has been working on the development of a coating to prevent the adhesion of ice, both clear and hoarfrost, as part of the state-sponsored project "Multifunctional Anti-Ice Surface Coating" ("Anti-Ice") should. Halfway through the project, we look at the results of our research team achieved so far.

Current score
Initial tests with a water-repellent coating showed that this does not work well. The formation of clear ice is prevented, but the greatly increased rough surface favors the formation and growth of hoarfrost. The approach was therefore extended to the combination of a water-repellent coating with the simultaneous heating of this layer. For this purpose, various coating systems with superhydrophobic properties were tested in conjunction with electrically heatable additives. The result is the prototypes shown above, whose functionality seems promising. First smaller tests have already been positive. This is the backbone of the project, which will be expanded within the next year and tested and optimized in many further investigations.

About the project
The coating system is to be specially developed for outdoor installations which are exposed to the weather and temperatures below freezing point, eg. As antennas or lines of telecommunications or power engineering. Ice accumulation can impair both the function of the equipment and the safety in its environment. The corresponding de-icing measures are complex, expensive and sometimes not feasible. Therefore, a coating is sought that can be applied directly to the metallic surfaces of these systems and prevents the formation of ice from the beginning.

Kempen, 02.09.2016