Superhydrophobic PDMS using Femtosecond Laser-Processed Surface Molds for Anti-Icing

Icicles often form at road tunnel mouths, on-road information boards, bridges, and other infrastructures when heat sources melt snow. The shedding of icicles causes damage to vehicles. Anti-icing coatings have been used for decades to prevent snow and ice from adhering to highway structures. However, these coatings only last a few years, and there is a need for long lasting anti-icing materials. We developed superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane by femtosecond laser processing surface molds. Water-cooled droplets immediately roll off and the surface can mitigate icicle formation.