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Self-similar fly ash coating enables durable anti-icing
A new super-lubricating photothermal anti-icing coating uses a self-similar porous structure derived from fly ash to retain lubricant and enable active de-icing. The system combines passive superlubricity with photothermal melting, offering durable anti-icing performance at low cost.
Ice accumulation can compromise the stability and safety of equipment in industrial and everyday applications. Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPs) have shown strong potential as anti-icing solutions, but cost-effective and durable formulations remain a challenge. Addressing this gap, researchers developed a super-lubricating photothermal coating, designated FASLIPs, by combining fly ash (FA) and epoxy resin (ER) as the porous skeleton.
The lubricating phase, composed of carbon black, silicone oil and PDMS, was introduced into the ER/FA pore network. The irregular pore architecture formed through fly ash accumulation enabled effective lubricant storage, providing the coating with strong mechanical properties and durability.
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Synergistic anti-icing and de-icing performance
The coating achieved a droplet freezing delay of 496 s and an ice adhesion strength of 11.63 kPa. It also demonstrated stable photothermal performance over repeated cycles, promoting ice melting and detachment through combined passive superlubricity and active photothermal heating.
Durability tests showed resistance to mechanical abrasion, chemical exposure and repeated icing cycles. According to the authors, the approach offers a promising route towards stable, low-cost anti-icing coatings that valorise an industrial by-product, with potential applications across infrastructure, transport and energy equipment exposed to icing conditions.
Source: Song, W. et al., Fly ash porous structure injection-type super-lubricating photothermal anti-icing coating, with self-similar structure, excellent anti-icing performance. Progress in Organic Coatings, 110135 (2026).
