Nolan Lehman
Research Mentor: Michael Gurin
Mentor Department: Not Available, NonUM
Author(s): Not Available
Session: Session 3 (11:00 AM – 11:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 12
Abstract
A study was constructed to observe the differences in hydrophobic and icephobic properties based on different polymer chemistries and what modification to these polymers could improve water rolloff ice release performance. This study has many applications in today’s industries such as energy, naval, automotive, and beauty. 3 types of polymers were initially tested for hydrophobic properties by collecting data on contact angles and roll off angles of 20 microliter drops. The difference in rolloff and contact angles tells us how well the material can be expected to repel water in the real world. These polymers were then tested for initial ice release data using 4, 5cm3 blocks of ice, measured in kpa. The ability to hold these hydrophobic and icephobic properties after wear on the material was tested by applying 500 passes of shear stress to the surface of the material, and were tested again, and one final time with 500 more passes of shear stress to simulate extreme wear on the material. Once testing of the base material was conducted, the polymer solutions were remade and enhanced with specific hydrophobic and icephobic compounds to improve ice release. These enhancements resulted in easier water rolloff and ice release for some polymer types. This showed how different polymers and their chemical properties can be manipulated to receive a desired result. Each polymer coating responded differently to enhancements and some performed better than others after shear stress was applied. This can be explained by each polymer’s molecular chemistry and inter molecular interactions. These were the properties that were targeted into enhancing ice release of each polymer.
