A Family of Frost‐Resistant and Icephobic Coatings

Abstract Anti‐icing and icephobic materials play a crucial role in demanding applications ranging from energy to transportation systems operating in frigid climates. Despite remarkable advancements in the development of such surface coatings, the use of anti/de‐icing chemicals remains one of the go‐to solutions for ice management. However, they are notoriously prone to removal by shear forces and dissolution. Herein, the design rationale for developing a family of cryoprotectant and phase‐change material (PCM)‐based compositions in the form of mixtures, non‐aqueous emulsions‐creams, and gels that can substantially overcome such challenges is reported. This is achieved through the sustenance of an in‐situ‐generated surface hydration layer that protects the underlying substrate from a variety of foulants, varying from ice to disease‐causing bacteria. Each formulation utilizes unique chemistry to curtail the embodied cryoprotectant loss and can be easily applied as an all‐in‐one sprayable/paintable coating capable of significantly outperforming untreated industrial materials in terms of their ability to delay condensation‐frosting and shed ice simultaneously. Concomitantly, an array of formulation‐specific functionalities is observed in the family, which includes optical transparency, mechanical durability, high shear‐flow stability, and self‐healing characteristics.