Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming a metal matrix composite including introducing a plurality of nanoparticles into a flow of metal material, and mixing of at least a partial portion of the flow of metal material with at least some of the plurality of nanoparticles to form a mixture of the metal material and at least some of the nanoparticles. The method further includes forming a metal matrix composite from the mixture, where the metal matrix composite includes a bulk region and an outer surface including a plurality of hydrophobic regions dispersed within a hydrophilic surface region. Further, the plurality of hydrophobic regions is formed or derived from the plurality of nanoparticles, and the hydrophobic regions have a first diameter, and an average spacing between the hydrophobic regions is a second diameter, where the first and second diameters are about 100 nm to 400 nm.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention include a coating or film assembly and a method of making the assembly which has a first layer at least partially infused with at least one antifreeze material, and a second layer at least partially coupled to at least a portion of the first layer. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer includes pores with a defined spacing. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second layer is rendered hydrophilic in the presence of absorbed moisture or phases of ice including frost, rime, and/or glaze. Further, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the first layer enables the antifreeze material to migrate through and out of the first layer into at least a portion of a hydrophilic region of the second layer.
Abstract:
Some embodiments of the invention include a pagophobic coating assembly including a wick layer coupled an outer layer. The wick layer includes a fluid reservoir with an antifreeze material. The wick can be a hydrophilic or superhydrophilic material, and the outer layer can include a superhydrophobic or omniphobic material. In some embodiments, the wick includes a nylon-based polymer, and the outer layer includes a silicone or siloxane based polymer. In some embodiments of the invention, the antifreeze material includes an alkylene glycol. In some embodiments, the wick layer can enable the antifreeze material to migrate from the wick layer into the outer layer, and the outer layer is configured to enable the antifreeze to migrate to the upper surface of the outer layer. Some embodiments include an article of manufacture including the pagophobic coating assembly. Some further embodiments of the invention include a method of forming the pagophobic coating assembly.