The objective of the EISAB project was to design an active polymeric coating that postpones the formation of ice layers and decreases ice adhesion on surfaces.
For this purpose a nano-structure of polymer brushes is combined with a pyroelectric active polymer, which collectively interacts with the water adjacent to the surface. The applied concept is based on thin polymer layers, the function of which can be attributed to known effects of nature:
- freezing point-lowering effect of hydrophilic polymers (de-icing effect)
- strengthening of the ice-repelling effect by pyroelectric PVDF-TrFE layers