Frost-Resistant and Icephobic Coatings for Industrial Applications

We have developed a family of frost-resistant and icephobic coatings designed to address two major industrial challenges: delaying ice formation and reducing the force required to remove ice from surfaces. We seek industrial partners interested in licensing, application-specific formulation development, and sponsored research.

THE CHALLENGE

Ice and frost accumulation compromise refrigeration equipment, cold-storage systems, heat exchangers, wind turbines, transportation infrastructure, and industrial equipment. Conventional deicing often requires substantial energy or chemical treatments. Many passive anti-icing coatings lose effectiveness through mechanical wear, dissolution, or depletion of active materials.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

Our approach uses cryoprotectants and phase-change materials incorporated into engineered coatings. We have developed multiple formulations, including liquid mixtures, non-aqueous emulsion-creams, and gels.

The coatings exploit interfacial thermodynamics and water interactions to maintain a protective, water-rich layer that delays freezing and reduces ice adhesion. Formulation strategies limit the loss of active ingredients, improving functional longevity.

Depending on their composition, the coatings offer:

• Delayed condensation-frosting under cold, humid conditions.
• Reduced ice adhesion and easier ice removal.
• Sprayable or paintable application.
• Compatibility with different substrate materials.
• Formulation-specific transparency, durability, or self-healing properties.

EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION

Our research, published in Advanced Materials (2022), demonstrated substantial frosting delays and easier ice removal compared with untreated surfaces and selected commercial coatings.

Experiments included metals and other industrially relevant materials, temperatures reaching approximately -30°C, humidity-controlled frosting, quantitative ice-adhesion measurements, mechanical durability, airflow exposure, and icing experiments on a model propeller.

We have also investigated how phase-change material selection affects condensation and frosting behavior.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Potential applications include commercial refrigeration and freezers, HVAC systems, heat exchangers, cold-chain infrastructure, wind turbines, transportation equipment, industrial sensors, and cold-weather infrastructure.

DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We seek partners to identify specific applications and evaluate coatings under relevant operating conditions. Next steps include application-specific formulation optimization, coating thickness and durability studies, repeated icing/deicing tests, substrate compatibility, environmental exposure, and field validation.

We welcome sponsored research, technology licensing discussions, joint development, and industrial demonstration projects.

PUBLICATION

Chatterjee, Bararnia & Anand, Advanced Materials (2022). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109930