Development of icephobic coatings of thin film polymers using Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD)
Gabriel Hernandez
Institute of Solid State Physics, Graz University of Technology
https://tugraz.webex.com/tugraz/j.php?MTID=mb4a9f2f408c4f62d047f9f781fac0630
11:15 - 12:15 Wednesday 04 May 2022 PH01150 The aim of this study is to develop a novel approach for anti-icing systems through the design of vertical gradient polymer thin films via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). The proposed design contemplates monomers of different nature and properties, a high fluoro-content acrylate and an organosilicon, namely, perfluorodecyl acrylate (PFDA) and tetravinyl tetramethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (V4D4), respectively.
A gradient polymer can be described as a continuous structure that exhibits a progressive conversion from species A to species B. The multiple vinyl groups of V4D4 allow the formation of a highly cross-linked network that provides good adhesion properties and PFDA fluorinated groups grant high hydrophobic properties which are potentially suitable for anti-icing systems.
By employing the proper deposition parameters, it is possible to induce a degree of crystallization over the fluorinated groups of PFDA, and through crystallization, the hydrophobic properties can be enhanced.
This approach is advantageous over simply random copolymerization or stacked layers in terms of adhesion, mechanical properties, and processing. Using iCVD, the creation of these sophisticated structures is possible in one step, in a solvent-free environment, over substrates of different nature, and with high precision over the thicknesses of each section.
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Institute of Solid State Physics
