Bilayer PE–PDMS composite reduces ice adhesion on surfaces

Passive anti-icing coatings are viewed as a promising strategy to mitigate ice accumulation on surfaces without the need for external energy input. In a recent study, researchers developed a bilayer composite that combines a soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer with a flame-sprayed polyethylene (PE) top layer. The design aims to unite the mechanical durability of PE with the low-modulus, ice-releasing behaviour typically observed in elastomeric substrates.

The authors systematically characterised surface morphology, wettability, interlayer adhesion and micromechanical properties of the composites, varying the thickness of the PDMS sublayer. Ice adhesion strength was measured using both push-test and centrifugal adhesion test methods under controlled icing conditions, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the icephobic performance.

---

Reading tip: Functional Coatings

Explore the diverse applications and functionalities of coatings beyond protection and aesthetics. This book discusses coatings designed for specific purposes such as anti-fouling, anti-ice, easy-to-clean, and more. Gain insights into the innovative approaches and materials driving advancements in functional coatings.

---

Sublayer thickness and ageing behaviour

The results indicate that the icephobic performance of the composites strongly depends on the thickness of the PDMS sublayer. Thin PDMS layers provided only limited improvement compared with pure PE coatings, whereas composites with a thicker PDMS sublayer showed a significant reduction in ice adhesion. These systems outperformed both pure PDMS and pure PE references, highlighting the synergistic contribution of surface chemistry and bulk elasticity to ice detachment.

Accelerated ageing tests revealed partial degradation of the composite surface but did not eliminate the icephobic effect: the bilayer coatings continued to exhibit low ice adhesion and remained superior to single-layer systems. According to the authors, the PE–PDMS bilayer architecture provides a robust and tunable approach for designing durable, passive anti-icing surfaces, offering potential value for applications where reliable long-term performance is required under harsh environmental conditions.

Source: Casali, A. et al., Flame-sprayed polyethylene on polydimethylsiloxane as a composite material with ice-phobic properties. Progress in Organic Coatings (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2026.110283

• Save article in bookmarks
• Print this article