Freezing of water droplets impacting a cold substrate is a common problem affecting various applications. This paper introduces a passive ice removal method using the thermal-mechanical stress of ice, causing self-peeling of frozen droplets on cold hydrophobic surfaces. Experiments show complete self-peeling on hydrophobic surfaces, contrasting with cracking and adhesion on hydrophilic surfaces. The peeling behavior is analyzed by varying subcooling, impact parameters, and wettability. A theoretical model characterizes peeling and bending, predicting complete self-peeling, aiding anti-icing surface design.

Wen-Zhen Fang, Fangqi Zhu, Lailai Zhu, Wen-Quan Tao, Chun Yang