Investigation on the relationship between hydrophobicity and single droplet icing

In this study, superhydrophobic surfaces were investigated to prevent icing problem which is critical for many engineering applications. Superhydrophobic surfaces do not retain water on them. They can, therefore, be used as a passive measure. Preventing icing with superhydrophobic surfaces is a good alternative to conventional methods that are harmful to the environment, costly and unsustainable. In the study, aluminum 7075 and 1050 alloys were used for superhydrophobic surface manufacturing. Surface modifications were made by laser ablation, chemical etching, spray coating methods. The liquid was selected as water and with 2.8 mm in diameter. To vary the impact velocity, the height of the syringe was changed from 10 cm to 80 cm with an interval of 10 cm. Spreading characteristics of the droplet both on the surface at room temperature and on the surface at 2 oC were examined by high-speed camera recording. According to the data obtained, the surface applied with spray coating gave the best results. In addition, dropwise condensation on the surface at 2 oC temperature negatively affected the spreading dynamics.