Impact of polymer structure in polyurethane topcoats on anti-icing properties

[Display omitted] •Polymer structure manipulation is possible through solvent adjustment in topcoats.•Surface modification is possible through the manipulation of polymer structure.•Differences in de-icing properties exist depending on polymer chain conformation.•Optimal topcoat composition increased ice-delay effects by about 1.7 times. Icing on the topcoat layer of structures or mobility systems can be a factor leading to functional failures or accidents. Material engineering approach to prevent icing involves creating hydrophobic surfaces. In this study, it was confirmed that the method of controlling the structure of polymers using solvents to adjust surface hydrophobicity and ice prevention effects is effective. Polyurethane (PU) topcoats are primarily used on the exterior of mobility devices; therefore, structure of PU was manipulated using xylene. Through the adjustment of the ratio between PU and xylene, changes in the curing enthalpy and crystal structure were observed, which led to alterations in tensile strength. Additionally, changes in surface energy and contact angle occurred depends on xylene content, and de-icing property of PU topcoat was enhanced by 66 % on the surface of the 20 vol% xylene PU topcoat, compared to the pure PU topcoat. It was confirmed that the basic method of manipulating the polymer structure through solvent amount in topcoats could be utilized as a technique in hydrophobic surface research, such as ice prevention.