Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Elzaabalawy, Assem Ibrahim Mohamed

Titel

Development, Modeling and Characterization of Novel Superhydrophobic and Icephobic Surfaces

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

2021

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Superhydrophobicity is used to define surfaces with extreme water repellency, while icephobicity defines surfaces that resist ice accretion. These features are governed by surface chemistry and surface structure. Whilst significant progress has been made in the development of superhydrophobic and icephobic surfaces, a number of major challenges persist that would limit their application. These challenges, which include functionality and durability, have motivated the undertaking of this research. Specifically, the main objective of this research was to develop novel superhydrophobic and icephobic surfaces, characterize their functional behavior and durability and explore their potential applications. Five aspects of the work were accordingly examined. The first was devoted to the development of comprehensive finite element simulations to predict the wettability of textured surfaces. The outcome of this study provided guidelines for the development of the devised superhydrophobic surfaces. The second was concerned with the development of novel superhydrophobic nanocomposite surfaces using scalable fabrication techniques. Two different polymeric binders (silicone and siloxane-modified epoxy) and functionalized silica nanoparticles as nanofillers were considered in developing these nanocomposites. Additionally, these surfaces were bifurcated into coatings and bulk-synthesized monoliths with an intrinsic regenerative capability, which allowed the restoration of their characteristics after suffering surface deterioration. The third was devoted to the characterization of the newly developed superhydrophobic surfaces using advanced imaging techniques and subjecting them to various environmental and mechanical tests to assess their functionality and durability. In the fourth, a highly coupled multiphysics-multiphase model, incorporating the finite volume method, was developed to simulate the impact and freezing dynamics response of supercooled droplets impinging superhydrophobic and icephobic surfaces that are maintained at subfreezing temperatures. This fundamental study provided the guidelines necessary for the development of the devised icephobic surfaces. The fifth was devoted to the development of novel icephobic surfaces that makes use of the newly developed superhydrophobic nanocomposites and ascertain their potential for use in anti-icing applications. The work was further extended to demonstrate the potential of the developed superhydrophobic surfaces to combat the transmission and spread of COVID-19 through fomites. A three-step combat strategy was proposed, linking virus encapsulation, contamination suppression, and virus elimination.