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Unlike the conventional bleed-air method, using electro-thermal anti-/de-icing methods to completely evaporate all of the supercooled water droplets that collide with the leading edge wing surface of aircraft flying in a freezing environment is not easy in terms of technical feasibility and energy efficiency[1]. If the leading edge is warm enough to stay free from frozen water droplets, the water moves backward while still maintaining the liquid phase. The droplets may freeze somewhere on an unheated surface after being halted for some reason and stick on the surface. Ice gradually accumulates as this process is repeated. Therefore, liquid water must be removed from the surface as soon as possible if the electrothermal method is employed for icing prevention. One answer to this problem is coating the surface with a superhydrophobic paint.

New icephobic paint has been developed for the purpose of preventing the icing of the airfoils of aircrafts. The basic characteristics of the paint in terms of icing prevention were examined by an optical method and a load test. The water contact angle is so high-150 degrees-that high water repellency can be obtained as expected from the design. The adhesion strength of the ice formed on this coating is decreased to the lowest value as compared to all paints ever developed. The results from the icing wind tunnel test carried out in conditions similar to what aircrafts encounter show that the paint contributes to fuel and weight savings due to the effective use of deicer.