Factors affecting the adhesion of ice to polymer substrates

ABSTRACT This article reviews the development of a laboratory test with a commercially available instrument for determining strength of ice adhesion. Using this method with standardized parameters, a number of factors affecting the adhesion of ice to a model elastomer, Sylgard 184, are evaluated. Ps, the peak removal force, was dependent on the probe speed and distance of the probe from the surface. A probe speed of 0.05 mm/s and distance of 2 mm was chosen to interrogate other parameters. For Sylgard 184, coating thickness was also found to affect the ice adhesion strength. Peak removal force for ice was correlated with the work of adhesion for water wa, which is proportional to receding contact angle. Ice adhesion strength for Sylgard 184 was greatly reduced by a combination of oil infusion and microtexturing. These results provide a guide for the preparation of coatings from which ice can be removed easily. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45734.