Self-repairing and Durable Icephobic Coatings Based on Soluble Polydimethylsiloxane Covalent Adaptable Networks for Deicing

An-Ning Cen; Yin-Da Zhu; Ke Xu; De-Zhong Wen; Tong-Fei Wu; Nuo Cao; Xue-Lin Tian

doi:10.1007/s10118-026-3793-4

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Self-repairing and Durable Icephobic Coatings Based on Soluble Polydimethylsiloxane Covalent Adaptable Networks for Deicing

RESEARCH ARTICLE | Updated：2026-10-26

- Self-repairing and Durable Icephobic Coatings Based on Soluble Polydimethylsiloxane Covalent Adaptable Networks for Deicing
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science Vol. 44, Issue 11, Pages: 3805-3813(2026)
- Affiliations：
  
  a.School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
  b.State Key Laboratory of Environmental Adaptability for Industrial Products, China National Electric Apparatus Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
  c.Institute of Green Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Author bio：
  
  wutongfei@mail.sysu.edu.cn
- Funds：
- DOI：10.1007/s10118-026-3793-4
  CLC：
- Received：28 May 2026，
  
  Accepted：22 June 2026，
  
  Online First：04 September 2026，
  
  Published：15 November 2026
- Accepted：
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Cen, A. N.; Zhu, Y. D.; Xu, K.; Wen, D. Z.; Wu, T. F.; Cao, N.; Tian, X. L. Self-repairing and durable icephobic coatings based on soluble polydimethylsiloxane covalent adaptable networks for deicing. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026, 44, 3805–3813

An-Ning Cen, Yin-Da Zhu, Ke Xu, et al. Self-repairing and Durable Icephobic Coatings Based on Soluble Polydimethylsiloxane Covalent Adaptable Networks for Deicing[J]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 44(11): 3805-3813.
Cen, A. N.; Zhu, Y. D.; Xu, K.; Wen, D. Z.; Wu, T. F.; Cao, N.; Tian, X. L. Self-repairing and durable icephobic coatings based on soluble polydimethylsiloxane covalent adaptable networks for deicing. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026, 44, 3805–3813 DOI： 10.1007/s10118-026-3793-4.

An-Ning Cen, Yin-Da Zhu, Ke Xu, et al. Self-repairing and Durable Icephobic Coatings Based on Soluble Polydimethylsiloxane Covalent Adaptable Networks for Deicing[J]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 44(11): 3805-3813. DOI： 10.1007/s10118-026-3793-4.

摘要

Self-repairing low-modulus icephobic covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are developed for large-scale deicing applications. The low ice adhesion strength is achieved by varying the molecular weight of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) precursor

cross-linker amount and oil content.

Abstract

Passive anti-icing approaches utilizing icephobic surfaces present innovative solutions that require minimal energy

are simple to maintain

and are environmentally sustainable

garnering considerable interest. However

icephobic surfaces may encounter challenges related to environmental adaptability

which diminishes their durability. To mitigate this issue

we developed soluble polydimethylsiloxane covalent adaptable networks (PDMS CANs) for low-modulus icephobic coatings with intrinsic self-repairing capability. These soluble PDMS CANs were synthesized from diol-terminated PDMS

which underwent dynamic end-cross-linking through dioxaborolane linkages. The end-linked structure enabled dissolution in solvents such as ethyl acetate. Once the solvent was removed

the dynamic cross-linked networks re-formed. This feature made PDMS CANs suitable for processing methods such as solution casting or coating. The cross-linking density of the CANs could be modified by varying the chemical formulation. The effects of cross-linking density on mechanical properties

self-repairing capability

and icephobic performance were examined. To further enhance deicing performance

silicone oil was incorporated into the PDMS CANs as a lubricant. The relationship between icephobic performance and oil content was explored. The optimal ice adhesion strength

achieved at an oil content of 40 wt%

was approximately 7.1 kPa at –10 °C. The coatings demonstrated good durability throughout icing-deicing cycles. This study highlights the potential of self-repairing

low-modulus elastic coatings based on CANs for large-area deicing applications.

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references

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