Organogel composites with auxetic structure for ice and clay removal
A novel composite organogel material with a negative Poisson’s ratio for efficient removal of ice or ice/clay slush or mud from a surface. A shield made of the organogel removes surface contamination from sensors or critical surfaces efficiently. A variety of purposes, ranging from sensor shields for autonomous vehicles, ranging (LiDAR), and radar, camera lenses, anti-icing aircraft wings, anti-fouling marine ship hulls. The auxetic structures has a significant effect on increasing the anti-icing capabilities.
Highlights
- A novel composite organogel material with a negative Poisson’s ratio for efficient removal of ice or ice/clay slush or mud from a surface.
- A shield made of the organogel removes surface contamination from sensors or critical surfaces efficiently.
- A variety of purposes, ranging from sensor shields for autonomous vehicles, ranging (LiDAR), and radar, camera lenses, anti-icing aircraft wings, anti-fouling marine ship hulls.
- The auxetic structures has a significant effect on increasing the anti-icing capabilities.
Opportunity
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a novel de-icing composition useful in a number of applications including sensor and camera protection and in aviation or marine environments. The organogel matrix combines a silicone elastomer precursor with silicone oil and further enhanced with a stiff, elastomeric auxetic honeycomb structure. The composition possesses a negative Poisson’s ratio and enables a change in the net surface area of the shield to result in shedding of ice and contamination from a surface. Current de-icing technologies have limitations with respect to wear and reusability. An organogel is a slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that combines both solid and liquid anti-icing technologies and consist of an external non-polar lubricating component that is trapped between the open spaces of a polymeric material 3d network structure. The unique inclusion of the auxetic structure leads to a negative Poisson’s ratio and results in efficient removal of the sticky contaminants owing to its ability to lubricate and slip towards all directions upon simple stretch. The developed shield includes an organogel matrix, auxetic structure, and the organogel composite that provides efficient de-icing performance.
Competitive advantage
- Effective removal of icy and slushy contaminants by active detachment
- Improved wear resistance and reusability
- Anti-fouling treatment of surfaces include sensors and cameras on vehicles, aircraft, and marine environments.
- We are seeking licensing or co-development opportunities.
Status
- Patent pending
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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