Durable Ceramicization-Induced Uncoated Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Anti-Icing Propeller Edges.

Abstract

The chemical and mechanical instability of conventional coated decorative superhydrophobic anti-icing surfaces on propeller leading edges has been a major limitation for practical applications. Here, a self-starting, uncoated, and ultra-durable superhydrophobic anti-icing surface fabricated on silicone rubber via laser-induced ceramization microstructuring is demonstrated. The laser-processed surface achieves a water contact angle of 168° and a sliding angle of 0.3°, exhibiting a static ice delay time of 2880 s at -25 °C and a dynamic anti-icing duration of 132 s in wind tunnel tests. Remarkably, after mechanical abrasion (>600 s), chemical corrosion (>240 h), and 30 ice-adhesion cycles, the surface maintains stable superhydrophobicity and anti-icing performance. These properties are ascribed to the synergistic effect of laser-generated microstructures and surface ceramization, which enhance environmental durability and deicing efficiency. This work provides a viable strategy for achieving long-term anti-icing performance on equipment surfaces under extreme conditions.