Impact Dynamics and Anti-icing Behavior of Droplets with Bionic Salvinia natans Structure

WAN Yanling; YIN Yuhong; ZHANG Guodong; XUE Jingze; YU Huadong

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.06.015

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Surface Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (6) : 199-214. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.06.015

Functional Surfaces and Technology

Impact Dynamics and Anti-icing Behavior of Droplets with Bionic Salvinia natans Structure

WAN Yanling^1,*, YIN Yuhong¹, ZHANG Guodong², XUE Jingze¹, YU Huadong³

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Abstract

This represents an efficient and convenient anti-icing strategy that enables droplets to spontaneously detach before freezing. Inspired by the unique hierarchical morphology and exceptional wettability of the aquatic plant Salvinia natans, this study proposes a novel biomimetic surface to achieve highly efficient anti-icing and de-icing performance. The core innovation lies in replicating key features of Salvinia natans, including its hair-like microstructures and wettability, to engineer a multi-level super hydrophobic surface. This design enables dynamic droplet clearance from the surface while maintaining stable air film retention underwater.
A 6061 aluminum alloy substrate is used as the surface. The processing sequence begins with grinding and polishing using 400- to 2000-grit sandpaper, followed by ultrasonic cleaning with acetone, ethanol, and deionized water. A microstructure mimicking Salvinia natans is fabricated via electrical discharge machining (EDM) with a 0.18 mm molybdenum wire on an HA-400U EDM machine. Subsequently, the surface undergoes chemical modification with 1H,2H,3H-Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FAS-17) to reduce surface energy. The multilevel structure and micro/nano topography are observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and super-depth-of-field microscopy. Wetting properties are evaluated with an OCA20 contact angle meter on 5-microliter deionized water droplets. Water drop impact dynamics are captured at 7039 frames per second with a PCO. dimax HS high-speed camera. Anti-icing performance is evaluated using a custom cryogenic stage equipped with a semiconductor cooler, an infrared thermometer, and an imaging system. Anti-icing performance testing is conducted by lowering the substrate temperature to -10 ℃ (±0.5 ℃) at ambient temperature of (15±2) ℃. The anti-icing capability is analyzed by observing the melting of ice and snow on the test specimens. To evaluate specimen stability, specimens are immersed in water at depths of 10-50 mm and inflated with an air bladder. The resistance to wetting is assessed by observing the retention of the air bladder on the specimen after 30 minutes in water.
In testing, the biomimetic surface demonstrates exceptional superhydrophobicity with a static contact angle of 152.5°. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm the successful formation of a hierarchical micro/nanostructure, where micro-pillars and submicron-scale pits are created via electrical discharge machining. Droplet impact analysis reveals unique dynamics: the surface promotes the transition from axial to normal spreading, suppresses Worthington jet formation, and reduces droplet contact time to 11 milliseconds. Dehumidification efficiency reaches 32%. Droplets are effectively removed even on surfaces inclined at 45°. In snowmelt experiments, accumulated snow completely evaporates within 33 seconds. Meltwater aggregates into movable droplets that detach effortlessly under weak airflow. Stability tests confirm exceptional performance longevity: after 30 minutes immersion in 50 mm deep water, the contact angle remains at 151.3°. Gas injection replenishes the sealed gas film, demonstrating robust long-term durability.
Its anti-icing mechanism stems from a dual "air cushion effect" and hydrophobicity. The microstructure significantly reduces solid-liquid contact area, slows heat conduction, and stabilizes the air layer, thereby effectively inhibiting ice nucleation of droplets on cold surfaces and preventing subsequent droplet adhesion. Even under inclined conditions, the surface achieves effective droplet removal, demonstrating excellent engineering adaptability. This study provides a scalable and durable solution for designing anti-icing surfaces through biomimetic microengineering techniques. It holds broad application prospects in fields with urgent demands for efficient passive anti-icing technologies, such as aviation, wind energy, and maritime operations.

Key words

de-icing / bionic design / super hydrophobic / low adhesion / air cushion effect

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WAN Yanling, YIN Yuhong, ZHANG Guodong, XUE Jingze, YU Huadong. Impact Dynamics and Anti-icing Behavior of Droplets with Bionic Salvinia natans Structure[J]. Surface Technology. 2026, 55(6): 199-214

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