ANTI-ICING MATERIAL AND SURFACE TREATMENTS

An anti-icing composition including a chemically-bound nano-layer based on a multivalent atom such as silicon or titanium, and whiskers of hydroxyls, polyols, polyethers, polyamines, poly-acids or mixtures of such hydrophilic functionalities. This base layer may be used as such or have an additional coating overlying it, e.g., comprising a polymeric polyol such as polyvinylalcohol or polyglycol. The second layer may also be chemically bonded to the surface or to the first layer. Surface treatment with such composition prevents small droplets of water from freezing on the surface and reduces dramatically their friction with the surface. The result is the prevention of icing of the surface, reduction in the adhesion of ice to the surface and reduction in the accumulation of ice layers. The anti-icing composition also makes removal of ice from the surface much easier once accumulated, and is useful in reducing de-icing requirements of aircraft and in retarding in-flight ice formation. Other applications include coating window panels and vehicles exposed to icing conditions and preventing bulk particles from adhering to each other in icy conditions.