NEI Corp., Somerset, N.J., has introduced Nanomyte SuperAi, a nanocomposite coating that imparts anti-icing properties to the underlying substrate. The transparent coating also provides a hard, dense and smooth finish. Surfaces treated with SuperAi exhibit reduced ice adhesion, thereby preventing ice buildup. SuperAi can be applied to a variety of substrates, including plastics, metals, glass, and ceramics
It is a single-component coating that is easily applied by dip, spray, or brush. Potential applications include structures on which ice removal is a challenge, such as wind turbine blades and power transmission lines. The coating also improves durability and corrosion protection.
SuperAi is uniquely engineered so that the treated surface becomes highly slippery and hydrophobic, which facilitates reduction of ice adhesion. Data so far show that it is effective in mitigating buildup under icing conditions.
For example, in a simulated industrial trial, ice accretions on coated and uncoated aluminum conductor cables were compared. The outside of one cable was coated with SuperAi. Both coated and uncoated conductors were subjected to icing conditions for two hours under a regulated spray of water and ice solution at fixed time intervals.
Ice accumulation was determined by weighing the cables before and after the test. It was established, in multiple test runs, that the ice accretion was reduced to half with application of the coating. Similar results were seen on sections of a wind turbine. In addition, in-house measurements of ice adhesion strength with a force gauge show that SuperAi reduces the adhesion tendency significantly.
SuperAi can be cured at room temperature by exposing the coating to ambient conditions for 6 to 8 hours. Accelerated curing is achieved in one hour or less at temperatures in the range of 100 to 150°C.
