Condensation and freezing of droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

• Published in: Advances in colloid and interface science Vol. 210; pp. 47 - 57
• Main Authors: Oberli, Linda, Caruso, Dean, Hall, Colin, Fabretto, Manrico, Murphy, Peter J., Evans, Drew
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Anti-icing; Chemistry; Coatings; Condensation; Condensing; Degradation; Deicing; Droplets; Exact sciences and technology; Freezing; Frost retardation; General and physical chemistry; Self-seeding; Superhydrophobic; Surface layer; Texture; Anti-icing; Superhydrophobic; Frost retardation; Self-seeding; Condensation; Retardation; Ice; Review; Hydrophobicity; Droplet
• ISSN: 0001-8686; 1873-3727; 1873-3727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2013.10.018

Superhydrophobic coatings are reported as promising candidates for anti-icing applications. Various studies have shown that as well as having ultra water repellency the surfaces have reduced ice adhesion and can delay water freezing. However, the structure or texture (roughness) of the superhydrophobic surface is subject to degradation during the thermocycling or wetting process. This degradation can impair the superhydrophobicity and the icephobicity of those coatings. In this review, a brief overview of the process of droplet freezing on superhydrophobic coatings is presented with respect to their potential in anti-icing applications. To support this discussion, new data is presented about the condensation of water onto physically decorated substrates, and the associated freezing process which impacts on the freezing of macroscopic droplets on the surface. [Display omitted] •Review of water droplets freezing on superhydrophobic surfaces•Droplets freeze in a four stage process•During macroscopic experiments, a frost front is observed.•The frost front is linked with dendritic ice crystals formed by condensation.