An experimental study on the influence of humidity on ice adhesion strength on superhydrophobic surfaces with microstructures

•The ice adhesion strength under different experimental conditions is measured.•The influence of humidity on ice adhesion strength and its mechanism are studied.•The difference between the influence of condensation and frost on ice adhesion strength is compared and discussed.•Icing in high humidity environments shows stronger adhesion strength. Superhydrophobic surfaces with specific microstructures are widely utilized in various industries, such as wind power and aerospace, to weaken the ice adhesion and reduce the ice accumulation. While previous studies have explored the ice adhesion strength on surfaces with diverse characteristics and different materials, limited research has been conducted on the adhesion strength of ice under different ambient humidities. To address this knowledge gap, a variety of microstructures were fabricated on aluminum surfaces using femtosecond laser etching in this study. Subsequently, a silicon dioxide coating was applied to the surfaces. These surfaces were then subjected to ice adhesion tests at varying humidity levels, allowing us to evaluate the effects of humidity on ice adhesion strength. It was observed that the adhesion strength of ice increased significantly with rising humidity levels. Additionally, the condensation of humid air within the microstructures played a significant role in enhancing ice adhesion. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating humidity considerations in the design of ice-phobic metal substrates, and are expected to facilitate the overall comprehension of ice adhesion and provide invaluable insights for the development of hydrophobic surface treatments.