Scientists Develop Coating That Prevents Ice Formation
LOS ANGELES – Materials scientists at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and colleagues in China have developed a coating that prevents ice from forming. The way it works is inspired by a natural mechanism that keeps blood from freezing in several species of fish that live near Antarctica.
Their study, which is published in Matter, suggests that the new coating could be an inexpensive and versatile solution for preventing critical parts on airplane wings, outdoor pipes and other equipment from freezing over in cold temperatures. It is the first material that prevents ice formation by acting on three distinct aspects of ice formation.