Application possibilities of the polymer composite material based on ultra-high molecular polyethylene for the anti-icing coatings of wind generators structural elements

The present study reviews the investigation results of an application potential of an ultra-high molecular polyethylene (UHMPE) as a coating material with anti-icing properties. With the published sources in background we have determined some necessary properties of coatings designed for both moderately cold and cold climate conditions. In order to determine the best coating composition, the results of experiments on spraying of various coating mixes based on UHMPE with molecular weight of 9 million g/mol with and without mineral filler, over 4 million g/mol, and 5 million g/mol with and without mineral filler were presented. The studies of thickness, coating adhesion, and abrasive wear resistance were presented. The adhesion of UHMPE trial coating to ice is 350 kPa (with mineral filler) and 110 kPa (without mineral filler), these being 1.5 times weaker compared to adhesion of stainless steel to ice and 3.4 times weaker than the similar values for carbon steel or aluminum. The results of the research allow to suppose that the application of UHMPE coatings to the blades of power wind turbines will provide reduce of their icing during operation in the Arctic, marine and coastal zones.