Ice Resistance of Hydrophobic Fluoropolymerized Nanostructured Alumina Films for Antireflective Coatings


 The functionality and durability of nanostructured alumina coatings exposed to atmospheric icing has been assessed. In particular, the changes in surface microstructure and optical performance as well as in the wetting characteristics of the surfaces are reported. Without a hydrophobicity treatment the alumina nanostructures are superhydrophilic and do not endure large environmental changes. Hydrophobicity treated fluoropolymerized nanostructured alumina provides characteristics with partial anti-icing capabilities, enhanced durability and excellent transmission levels of > 95%, but the performance degrades in cyclic icing/de-icing. However, the hydrophobic nanostructured alumina outperforms both the nanostructured and planar alumina coatings and possesses increased durability and stability even under harsh conditions. This indicates a clear need to use a hydrophobicity treatment for the nanostructured alumina antireflection coatings even in regular indoor and controlled environments.