Preparation and Characterization of Highly Aligned Ferromagnetic PVDF/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite Fibrous Coating for Icephobic Applications

Unwanted icing on solid surfaces presents a critical challenge in a wide range of technological applications due to its detrimental effects on functional stability, energy efficiency, and overall system reliability. To address this phenomenon, multiple strategies have been explored, including the development of icephobic surface coatings, mechanical deicing techniques, thermal deicing systems, deployment of chemical deicing agents, and other advanced mitigation methods. In this study, novel nano-magnetically functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/Fe3O4 fibrous films were engineered, exhibiting enhanced potential for use as icephobic materials. The electrospinning process was employed to fabricate highly aligned ferromagnetic nanofibers, with the incorporation of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles into the PVDF matrix leading to a significant increase in the electroactive β-phase fraction. The application of a directional magnetic field during electrospinning facilitated the production of uniformly oriented nanofiber architectures, enabling comprehensive evaluation of their morphological characteristics and anti-icing performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including wettability and icephobicity assessments, infrared spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed. The findings demonstrate that the precisely oriented nano-fibrous magnetic coatings exhibit superior icephobic performance, underscoring their suitability for next-generation anti-icing and deicing applications in critical technological systems.