A composite nanoporous superhydrophobic film with anti-icing properties and durability: From laboratory test to field validation

The superhydrophobic anti-icing coating offers an economical solution to mitigate hazardous ice accretion on transmission lines. However, condensation failure under low-temperature/high-humidity conditions and poor durability pose two critical challenges in the application of anti-icing coatings. In this study, a composite nanoporous film was fabricated on the aluminum surface by anodization, exhibiting anti-icing properties and robust durability in laboratory and field tests. Under natural conditions, the nanoporous superhydrophobic specimen demonstrated a 95.7% reduction in rime ice weight during 120 h of natural icing. After one year of outdoor weathering, the superhydrophobic specimen retained its anti-icing efficacy, achieving 90.5% ice-weight reduction compared to the bare specimen during the 105-hour natural glaze icing. Thus, the proposed anti-icing film offers a viable solution for preventing severe icing and ensuring the long-term durability of transmission lines. • Design and fabrication of composite nanopores on Al surfaces. • Composite nanoporous surface shows robust anti-icing durability in lab tests. • Novel surface exhibits excellent anti-icing properties and durability in natural environments.