Aircraft icing poses significant operational challenges, with ice accretion rates reaching up to 2mm per minute under severe conditions. When untreated, ice accumulation can increase drag by 50% and reduce lift by up to 30% - critical margins that directly impact flight safety and performance. Current mechanical and thermal de-icing systems add considerable weight and energy demands to aircraft systems.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing surface treatments that prevent ice formation while maintaining long-term durability under extreme aerodynamic forces and varying environmental conditions.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including zinc oxide/acetic acid superhydrophobic coatings, dual-curing compositions with hyperbranched polyester acrylates, elastomer coatings with dispersed carbon nanomaterials, and stress-localized polyurethane systems. These and other approaches focus on achieving practical ice prevention while minimizing impact on aircraft weight and aerodynamic performance.

1. Zinc Oxide/Acetic Acid Coating with Superhydrophobic and Thermal Management Properties for Aircraft Wings

NANJING UNIVERSITY OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS, 2025

A zinc oxide/acetic acid super hydrophobic coating for aircraft wings that enhances ice removal through a novel combination of thermal management and surface modification. The coating, comprising zinc oxide and acetic acid, forms a durable, water-repellent layer on the wing surface that prevents ice formation while maintaining aerodynamic performance. The coating's unique properties enable efficient ice removal during flight conditions, while its thermal management system ensures consistent temperature distribution across the wing surface.

CN119682994A-patent-drawing

2. Dual-Curing Anti-Icing Coating Composition with Hyperbranched Polyester Acrylate and Modified Epoxy Acrylate for Aircraft Surfaces

Guangdong Power Grid Co., Ltd., 广东电网有限责任公司韶关供电局, SHAOGUAN POWER SUPPLY BUREAU GUANGDONG POWER GRID CO LTD, 2023

Dual-curing anti-icing coating for aircraft surfaces that combines improved weather resistance with enhanced durability. The coating comprises a hyperbranched polyester acrylate, modified epoxy acrylate, fluorine-modified polyurethane acrylate, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate. The coating is prepared through a specific mixing ratio of these components, with optional fluorine-containing additives, and cured using a cationic sulfide initiator. The dual-curing process enables the coating to achieve superior weather resistance and durability while maintaining excellent anti-icing performance.

CN115505319B-patent-drawing

3. Nano Coating for Wind Turbine Blades Comprising Multi-Component Formulation with Acrylic Resin, Fluorinated Siloxane, and Oxide Nanoparticles

HUNAN YITU NANO MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2023

Anti-icing nano coating for wind turbine blades that provides enhanced protection against ice formation through a multi-component formulation. The coating comprises acrylic resin, fluorinated siloxane, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, montmorillonite, and surfactant. The surfactant enables the coating to maintain its transparency while dispersing the other components. The formulation combines these components in a solvent-based system to create a durable, ice-resistant coating that maintains its structural integrity even under extreme weather conditions.

CN116640503A-patent-drawing

4. Elastomer Coatings with Dispersed Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Icephobic Aircraft Surfaces

ZENTEK LTD, 2023

Carbon-based nanomaterial-enhanced elastomer coatings for aircraft surfaces to prevent ice formation. The coating incorporates low loadings of functionalized graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, or graphene nanoplatelets into an elastomer matrix, enhancing both durability and icephobicity. The coating demonstrates superior ice resistance compared to traditional deicing systems, with a lower shear force required to shed ice. The nanomaterials' dispersed distribution within the elastomer matrix enables controlled icephobicity while maintaining mechanical integrity.

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5. Fluorine-Containing Polyphosphazene Visible Light Curing Coating with Nanosheet Morphology

SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2023

A fluorine-containing polyphosphazene visible light curing aircraft anti-icing coating that enables efficient and environmentally friendly flight safety through controlled supercooling and ice detachment. The coating utilizes a fluorine-containing polyphosphazene with nanosheet morphology as a functional auxiliary agent, enabling the formation of a hydrophobic surface that prevents supercooled water droplet accumulation and promotes ice detachment. The coating is prepared through blending of the fluorine-containing polyphosphazene with oligomers, reactive diluents, and visible light initiators, and is cured using visible light. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of conventional anti-icing coatings by providing a controlled, supercooling-resistant surface that prevents ice formation while maintaining aerodynamic performance.

CN114806389B-patent-drawing

6. Composite Anti-Icing Coating with Nanoparticle-Enhanced PTFE Layer for Epoxy Resin Surfaces

SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY, 2022

A composite aircraft anti-icing coating that addresses the issue of water adhesion and ice formation on epoxy resin surfaces. The coating combines a hydrophobic PTFE layer with nanoparticles, where the nanoparticles form a three-dimensional branched structure on the PTFE surface. This creates a hydrophobic micro-structure that significantly delays ice formation and maintains the surface's anti-icing properties even in extreme low-temperature conditions. The coating's unique structure prevents mechanical interlocking between the surface and ice, while the PTFE layer maintains its hydrophobic properties. This approach enables effective anti-icing performance on carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite materials without compromising their structural integrity.

CN115093593A-patent-drawing

7. Polyurethane-Based Coating with Stress-Localized Phases for Ice-Shedding

ELEMENTAL COATINGS LLC, 2022

Polyurethane-based, stress-localized ice-shedding coatings that achieve low ice adhesion while maintaining durability under extreme environmental conditions. The coatings consist of a high-shear modulus polyurethane matrix phase, a low-shear modulus Phase II-A phase comprising thermoplastic elastomer, wax, and high-oleic oil, and a low-shear modulus Phase II-B phase comprising silicone elastomer and silicone oil. The Phase II-A and Phase II-B phases are uniformly distributed within the high-shear modulus matrix phase, creating a stress-localized surface that initially detaches ice from the material before propagating. The coatings exhibit exceptional durability under rain erosion conditions with wind speeds exceeding 172 meters per second.

8. Amphiphilic Copolymer-Based Icephobic Coating with Self-Lubricating Quasi-Liquid Layer

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2021

A scalable, self-lubricating icephobic coating that achieves low ice adhesion through a novel amphiphilic copolymer-based approach. The coating comprises a polymer matrix and an amphiphilic copolymer, where the copolymer incorporates water-soluble PEG molecules that form a quasi-liquid layer at the ice-substrate interface. This self-lubricating layer prevents ice nucleation and growth, while the polymer matrix provides mechanical robustness. The coating can be applied to various surfaces, including aircraft, ships, wind turbines, and solar panels, through spin coating or other methods, and exhibits superior ice adhesion performance compared to conventional deicing systems.

9. Coatings with Low Interfacial Toughness for Passive Ice Detachment

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 2021

Anti-icing coatings exhibiting low interfacial toughness with ice, enabling efficient ice removal from large surfaces without high force requirements. The coatings achieve this through a novel interfacial property - low interfacial toughness (LIT) with ice - that enables passive ice removal without the conventional need for high ice detachment force. The coatings have an interfacial toughness of less than 1 J/m2, enabling efficient ice removal from surfaces like wind turbine blades and boat hulls.

10. Method for Applying DSAN-Based Super-Hydrophobic Coating on Wind Turbine Blades to Inhibit Ice Adhesion

DONGNANYUE HYDROPOWER INVESTMENT CO LTD, 2020

Method to prevent ice buildup on wind turbine blades using super-hydrophobic coating. The method involves spraying a specific coating on the blades called DSAN (Diamine-siloxane-amine-naphthol) to make the surface less prone to ice adhesion. The coating weakens ice bonding and helps melting in low temperatures. The steps include base surface washing, drying, primer spray, topcoat spray, and blade transfer. The coating weight increase is controlled to avoid excessive blade weight gain.

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11. Polymer Coating with Hydrogen Bond Disruption Properties for Ice Adhesion Reduction

Boeing Company, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, THE BOEING CO, 2020

A polymer that reduces ice adhesion to surfaces, particularly in aircraft and vehicle applications. The polymer forms a protective coating that specifically breaks the hydrogen bonding between ice and the surface, thereby preventing ice formation. The polymer can be applied to various materials, including metals, composites, and polymers, and exhibits improved performance compared to conventional ice-reducing coatings.

CN106604946B-patent-drawing

12. Aircraft Primary Structure with Integrated Solid-State De-Icing Material

TORINO POLITECNICO, 2020

A de-icing system integrated into an aircraft's primary structure, eliminating the need for separate components and conventional bleed systems. The system comprises a thermally responsive, solid-state de-icing material integrated into the aircraft's primary structure, which maintains optimal temperature control through self-heating and cooling mechanisms. This integrated design eliminates the conventional bleed system's weight, complexity, and maintenance requirements, while maintaining effective de-icing performance.

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13. Aircraft Component Surface with Carbon Nanotube Array and Solar Cell-Driven Thermal Activation System

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO, 2019

A thermal-activated anti-icing system for aircraft components that utilizes a combination of carbon nanotubes and solar-powered heating. The system comprises an array of carbon nanotubes thermally coupled to a first exposed surface of the aircraft, and an array of solar cells carried by the aircraft and electrically coupled to the array of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are activated by electrical power from the solar cells, which transfers heat to the aircraft surface, preventing ice formation.

14. Aircraft Engine Component Heating System with Magnetically Controlled Carbon Nanotube Array

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO, 2019

A heating system for aircraft engine components that utilizes carbon nanotubes as a thermal management medium. The system employs a magnetic field generator to create a controlled temperature gradient across the nanotube array, which is then electrically driven to generate heat through Joule heating. The nanotube array is thermally coupled to the exposed surface and electrically connected to the magnetic field generator, enabling efficient heat transfer to the surrounding structure.

15. Mixed Coating Material with Cold Curing Resin and Particulate Fluororesin for Aircraft Wing Surfaces

SUBARU CORP, 2019

A mixed coating material for aircraft wings that provides comprehensive anti-icing capabilities across all surfaces, particularly in regions inaccessible to conventional anti-icing systems. The coating consists of a cold curing resin and a particulate fluororesin, with the fluororesin content exceeding 43% in the cured state. This composition enables the formation of a durable, water-repellent coating film that effectively prevents ice formation on wing surfaces, including leading edges, trailing edges, and other areas where conventional anti-icing systems may fail. The coating system is cured at room temperature, eliminating the need for high-temperature heating and reducing power consumption.

16. Self-Lubricating Icephobic Coating Comprising Silicone Elastomer, Xylene, and Silicone Oil with Variable Infusion Levels and Composition Ratios

YEONG YONG HAN, 2019

A self-lubricating icephobic coating for aircraft surfaces that provides ultra-low ice adhesion and superior strength through a novel combination of hydrophobicity, low surface roughness, coating elasticity, and lubrication-enabled interfacial slippage. The coating is formed by mixing a silicone elastomer with xylene and a silicone oil, with optimal infusion levels and composition ratios. This material exhibits exceptional performance in harsh icing environments, including cryogenic temperatures, by maintaining a liquid layer on the interface with accreted ice, while maintaining mechanical stability. The coating can be applied to aircraft surfaces, including leading edges of wings, propellers, and engine components, through various coating methods, including drop casting, flow coating, spin coating, dip coating, and spraying.

17. Aircraft Ice Protection System with Dual Conduit Coolant Distribution and Integrated Electronic Thermal Management

THE BOEING CO, 2019

A novel ice protection system for aircraft that enables increased fuel efficiency and operation while maintaining anti-ice capabilities. The system integrates a reservoir with a cooling system that distributes coolant to aerodynamic surfaces through two separate conduits. The cooling system provides thermal contact with electronic components, while the reservoir supplies the coolant. This dual-technology approach enables the system to maintain optimal operating conditions while reducing power consumption and weight compared to conventional anti-ice systems.

US2019100319A1-patent-drawing

18. Method of Applying Curable Polyurethane-Based Film with Primer and Final Coating on Substrates

PPG Industries Ohio, Inc., PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC, PPG INDASTRIZ OGAJO INK, 2018

A method for suppressing ice formation on substrates by applying a curable film-forming composition. The method comprises applying to a substrate a curable film-forming composition comprising polyurethane, followed by a primer application, and then a final coating. The curable film-forming composition comprises polyurethane, followed by a primer application, and then a final coating.

19. Leading Edge Fairing Assembly with Silicone-Modified Acrylic Resin Coating and Organosilicon Monomer Composition

溧阳市哈大成果转化中心有限公司, LIYANG HADA ACHIEVEMENTS TRANSFORMATION CENTER CO., LTD., 2016

A leading edge fairing assembly for aircraft that enhances ice protection through a novel anti-icing coating. The assembly features a silicone-modified acrylic resin coating applied to the leading edge fairing surface, which provides superior ice control properties compared to conventional anti-icing systems. The coating is formulated with a specific organosilicon monomer composition and is applied through a controlled spraying process. This coating system enables effective ice prevention on the leading edge fairing, particularly in icing conditions, while maintaining low surface energy and energy consumption.

CN103600549B-patent-drawing

20. Vertical Fin Leading Edge Coating with Polyurethane Primer and Fluorine-Silicone-Modified Acrylic Topcoat Featuring Gradual Thickness Taper

Liyang Ha Da Achievement Transformation Center Co., Ltd., LIYANG HADA ACHIEVEMENTS TRANSFORMATION CENTER CO., LTD., 2016

Anti-icing coating for vertical fin leading edges of aircraft wings that effectively prevents ice formation while maintaining aerodynamic performance. The coating comprises a primer and topcoat comprising a polyurethane primer and an organic fluorine and silicone-modified acrylic paint, with a specific thickness profile that enhances ice nucleation suppression while maintaining structural integrity. The coating's unique thickness profile, with gradual taper from front to rear, optimizes ice formation suppression at the leading edge while minimizing aerodynamic impact.

21. Aircraft Horizontal Stabilizer Coating with Silicone-Modified Acrylic Resin and Nano-Silica for Ice Nucleation Suppression

22. Leading Edge Fairing Assembly with Fluorine-Enhanced Silicone-Modified Acrylic Resin Coating

23. Aircraft Stabilizer Leading Edge Coating with Hydrophobic and Thermal Management Properties Featuring Zinc-Rich Primer and Fluorine-Silicone Modified Acrylic Topcoat

24. Winglet Leading Edge Component with Silicone-Modified Acrylic Resin Coating

25. Leading Edge Assembly Head with Fluorine-Silicone Modified Acrylic Anti-Icing Coating

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