Durable coatings that repel ice

Surface Science Preventing ice buildup on surfaces is crucial for ensuring the proper operation and safety of airplanes, ships, communication towers, and wind turbines. Golovin et al. studied the mechanisms that control how ice detaches from surfaces. They developed durable coatings with extremely low ice adhesion, from which ice simply falls off under its own weight. These high-performing icephobic coatings could be spun, dipped, sprayed, or painted onto any underlying substrate. The coatings functioned well outdoors over winter or after extreme abrasion or exposure to harsh chemicals. Sci. Adv. 2 , 10.1126.sciadv.01496 (2016).