Yuheng Zong , Yun Zhao , Weiwei He , Yanhong Jia , Huirong Le
{"title":"Research on the anti-frost performance of hydrophobic TiN-polymer composite coating on aluminum alloy surface","authors":"Yuheng Zong , Yun Zhao , Weiwei He , Yanhong Jia , Huirong Le","doi":"10.1016/j.coco.2024.102186","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is well known that the heat exchanger of refrigerator or air conditioner is prone to freezing or condensation, which will affect the cooling effect inside the refrigerator or air conditioner, leading to extra power consumption and bacteria growth. In this study, we developed a multi-step method to prepare hydrophobic surfaces. In the first step, a needle-like structure is made on the surface of the aluminum alloy (AA) by alkali etching. To improve the durability and stability of coatings, different polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) or epoxy resin (EP), was mixed with titanium nitride (TiN) particles. Subsequently, the titanium nitride composite coating was applied to the substrate by spraying process or physical brushing technology which could be scaled up in the industry directly. After the final fluorination step, the aluminum substrate was covered with a hydrophobic surface. The results of the contact angle test assumed the hydrophobicity of the EP/TiN/FAS-17 and TPU/TiN/FAS-17 composite coatings. Additionally, compared to the pure TiN coating, the light conversion rate of the composite coatings maintained similar levels while better mechanical strength was achieved. Last but not least, both composite coatings demonstrated excellent ability to hinder icing in frosting and facilitate ice melting in defrosting experiments, further demonstrating their potential for use in anti-icing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10533,"journal":{"name":"Composites Communications","volume":"53 ","pages":"Article 102186"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5000,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Composites Communications","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452213924003772","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"MATERIALS SCIENCE, COMPOSITES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
It is well known that the heat exchanger of refrigerator or air conditioner is prone to freezing or condensation, which will affect the cooling effect inside the refrigerator or air conditioner, leading to extra power consumption and bacteria growth. In this study, we developed a multi-step method to prepare hydrophobic surfaces. In the first step, a needle-like structure is made on the surface of the aluminum alloy (AA) by alkali etching. To improve the durability and stability of coatings, different polymers, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) or epoxy resin (EP), was mixed with titanium nitride (TiN) particles. Subsequently, the titanium nitride composite coating was applied to the substrate by spraying process or physical brushing technology which could be scaled up in the industry directly. After the final fluorination step, the aluminum substrate was covered with a hydrophobic surface. The results of the contact angle test assumed the hydrophobicity of the EP/TiN/FAS-17 and TPU/TiN/FAS-17 composite coatings. Additionally, compared to the pure TiN coating, the light conversion rate of the composite coatings maintained similar levels while better mechanical strength was achieved. Last but not least, both composite coatings demonstrated excellent ability to hinder icing in frosting and facilitate ice melting in defrosting experiments, further demonstrating their potential for use in anti-icing applications.
期刊介绍:
Composites Communications (Compos. Commun.) is a peer-reviewed journal publishing short communications and letters on the latest advances in composites science and technology. With a rapid review and publication process, its goal is to disseminate new knowledge promptly within the composites community. The journal welcomes manuscripts presenting creative concepts and new findings in design, state-of-the-art approaches in processing, synthesis, characterization, and mechanics modeling. In addition to traditional fiber-/particulate-reinforced engineering composites, it encourages submissions on composites with exceptional physical, mechanical, and fracture properties, as well as those with unique functions and significant application potential. This includes biomimetic and bio-inspired composites for biomedical applications, functional nano-composites for thermal management and energy applications, and composites designed for extreme service environments.