Durable superhydrophobic surfaces with ultralow ice adhesion for anti-icing applications on transmission lines

Abstract Superhydrophobic anti-icing surfaces for transmission lines face challenges regarding synergizing low ice adhesion and high wear resistance. Here, we introduce a primer–topcoat dual-layer coating strategy. The primer ensures robust micron-scale skeletal stability, while the topcoat integrates perfluoropolyether-grafted nano-silica, creating a synergistic “air pocket/liquid-like layer” anti-icing surface achieving ultralow ice adhesion. After mechanical durability testing, the surface retains good hydrophobicity. The anti-icing test results indicate that the ice adhesion strength is lowered to 12.2 kPa. In the simulated ice-<covering test, the superhydrophobic aluminum conductor shows good anti-icing performance.