Design of a Superhydrophobic Photothermal Shape-Memory Material Based on Carbon-Nanotubes-Doped Resin for Anti-Icing/De-Icing Applications

Icing on power lines and wings can cause serious economic damage and safety hazards. While superhydrophobic materials show promise for anti-icing applications, their passive anti-icing mechanisms require external energy activation, highlighting the need for the development of active de-icing materials with energy-to-heat conversion capabilities. Here, we developed three photothermal superhydrophobic shape-memory polymers with anti-icing performance (PSSPs), with 3%, 5%, and 7% CNT doping ratios, through a two-step process: resin preparation and laser-processing modification. The results showed that all samples presented good superhydrophobic properties. In addition, the tested materials demonstrated good shape-memory performance (recovery rates were close to 100%). They also showed excellent de-icing performance. Owing to the simplicity of the fabrication process, the material is suitable for mass production. The synergistic interplay between superhydrophobicity and photothermal activation endows the material with dual-functional icephobic performance, demonstrating practical applicability in industrial cryogenic environments.