Towards optimizing power-supplying strategy of versatile composites for energy-efficient and robust anti-icing/deicing

Fiber-reinforced polymer-based composites have been used widely in engineering structural components but suffer from ice accretion issues. Assembling a straightforward electrothermal anti-icing/deicing system that combines passive superhydrophobic and photothermal effects to alleviate energy shortages is considered the most practical strategy. However, the instability of superhydrophobicity often causes compromising anti-icing performances. In addition, little is known about how to evaluate the effectiveness of these passive technologies and optimize active power supply strategies. In this study, a versatile fiber-reinforced polymer-based composite was fabricated by integral molding with superhydrophobic and electro/photothermal film. Based on the tailorability of surface temperature, a quantitative method was developed to evaluate the passive anti-icing technology. The superhydrophobic and photothermal effects were proven to reduce electrical energy consumption by 73.6%, which was further declined to 96% after optimizing the anti-icing/deicing power supply strategy. Additionally, the textures and porosity of the spraying substrate were highlighted to enhance the superhydrophobic durability. The fabricated robust and versatile fiber-reinforced polymer-based composite shows promise for use in controllable anti-icing/deicing of engineering components, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and wind turbine blades.