Icephobicity of a surface is the value of the shear stress between the substrate and the adhered ice on it. There are many techniques to measure icephobicity of a surface. A decent one offers to apply a shear force to an ice cube formed on the surface in order to measure maximum force needed to detach the ice. Ice Adhesion Test Machine is a device that applies a shear force and measures the shear stress between the ice and the surface, operating in desired temperature and humidity, and eventually analyzes the results in an integrated software.
· Telecommunication Towers
· Antennas
· Power Network Systems
· Aircrafts
· Ships
In general, there are three ways to have ice-free surfaces, which are explained below:
1. Creating a delay in the formation of ice (Delayed Frost): this can be achieved with super-hydrophobic coatings through nanotechnology.
2. Supercooled water without freezing: In this method, the temperature of water can be reduced to minus 20 degrees without freezing. This work is possible by manipulating the surface and creating nanostructures on the surfaces.
3. A surface where the shear stress is less than 10 kPa: The creation of this type of surface is created when the Van der Waals bond of the molecules is weak, and this type of structure can be created by changing the roughness, which is actually achieved by the use of nanotechnology.
· The device should be inspected monthly
· The sealed parts should be checked periodically for possible leakages
· Make sure the cell lid is completely closed.
· Clean the stage surface of water, silicone paste, and other pollutants if you wish to replace the sample.
· Place the device on a vibration-free table or any table with minimum vibration.
· Under no circumstances should one apply pressure to the probe by hand.
· During the test, do not loosen the screw on the cell lid.
· At the end of each test, do not open the lid unless you are sure that the internal cooling system is turned off
· Clean the remaining frosts on the stage after each test.
· If you intend to change the sample, clean the stage surface from water, silicone paste, and other contaminants
