New 'Smart' Material Can De-Ice Any Surface

Researchers have discovered a 'smart' material that can be applied to any surface to repel ice and outperforms all others currently in use.

Icy conditions can be deadly, whether you are flying into bad weather or too close to power transmission lines during a storm, researchers said.

One side of the surface of the material known as a magnetic slippery surface (MAGSS) is coated with a magnetic material, while a thin layer of magnetic fluid - a mixture of fluid and iron oxide nanoparticles - is deposited on the other side. The magnetic fluid faces outside.

When a droplet of water hits the surface, the magnetic fluid acts as a barrier, stopping the droplet from reaching the solid surface.

Source: business-standard.comAdded: 14 November 2016