Preparation of a superhydrophobic surface by RF magnetron sputtering and its anti-icing performance

In this study, a nano-structured surface was prepared on glass slides by RF magnetron sputtering with zinc target. The superhydrophobicity of the surface was highly improved after thermal oxidation and decorated by hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were utilized to evaluate the surface morphology, element types and levels of the samples. A portable low-temperature test chamber was used to investigate the anti-icing performance of the superhydrophobic surface and record the collision process of a cooling water drop to the sample surface by high-speed camera. The results showed that the frozen temperature of water droplet on the superhydrophobic surface was much lower than that of droplet on the bare glass. This study offers insight into understanding the anti-icing behavior of the superhydrophobic surface and may favor the application of superhydrophobic surfaces in power transmission system against ice accumulation.