A Sustainable Superhydrophobic and Photothermal Coatings for Anti-Icing Application on Concrete with a Simple Method for CNTs/SiO 2 Modification

Shuai Li, Yanwei Li, Yiqiu Tan (), Jilu Li, Di Wang, Dongdong Yuan and Jianli Zhang
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Shuai Li: School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
Yanwei Li: Hebei Provincial Communications Planning and Design Institute, Shijiazhuang 050090, China
Yiqiu Tan: School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
Jilu Li: School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
Di Wang: Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Dongdong Yuan: School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
Jianli Zhang: Hebei Provincial Communications Planning and Design Institute, Shijiazhuang 050090, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 22, 1-15

Abstract: Ice formation on concrete surfaces significantly challenges productivity, economic growth, and safety in diverse industrial sectors. Superhydrophobic coatings represent an effective solution to delay ice formation, although their functionality deteriorates under repeated freeze–thaw cycles. To address this issue, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are frequently employed due to their exceptional photothermal conversion and mechanical properties, which contribute to extending the sustainability of the superhydrophobic coatings. However, the chemical inertness of CNTs often necessitates complex reactions to modify their functionalization. In this study, we have invented a simple method involving the sequential growth of silica on the surface of CNTs and the hydrophobic modification of the silica surface to enhance CNT functionality. These CNTs/SiO 2 functionalized nanoparticles were then incorporated into an epoxy resin using a simple spray technique, resulting in a superhydrophobic and photothermal coating on concrete. To fine-tune the coating’s properties, we explored the effects of varying the doping levels of the nanoparticles on the surface morphology, roughness, and wettability of the CNT/SiO 2 -EP coatings. The optimal level of hydrophobicity was achieved by doping the coatings with 300 mg of functionalized nanoparticles, yielding an impressive contact angle of 159.6°. The integration of functionalized nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix not only enhances hydrophobicity but also improves mechanical robustness and abrasion resistance by creating multiscale surface roughness. Additionally, the coating exhibits outstanding chemical stability even under extreme conditions. One of the most significant advantages of these coatings is their ability to extend the ice nucleation time significantly. This effect is primarily attributed to the superior superhydrophobicity of the nanoparticles and the remarkable photothermal conversion capability of the CNTs. Upon exposure to Xenon lamp radiation, the ice droplets rapidly melt, underscoring the impressive performance of these coatings in preventing ice formation.

Keywords: superhydrophobic; photothermal; anti-icing; carbon nanotubes; concrete; silica (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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