Anti-icing solutions combining printed electronics and nanotexturing of Al alloys

Aluminum superhydrophobic (SHP) surfaces have been prepared by the combination of chemical microtexturing and surface functionalization with long-chained polyfluoroalkyl moieties. On the opposite side to the modified surface self-limiting heating element has been printed using carbon based possitive temperature coefficient (PTC) inks. Different heater configurations were tested to optimize heater design. Results showed that the combination of both strategies was able to maintain the aluminum surface ice free under tested conditions. The developed hybrid system showed good performance under anti-icing conditions with potential to be applied in aircraft systems.