Strong robust superhydrophobic C/silicone monolith for photothermal ice removal

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (modified MWCNTs) were modified by stearic acid and then added to silicone for the fabrication of C/silicone composite monolith materials. The obtained C/silicone monolith demonstrates strong robust superhydrophobicity after Taber abrasion, stretching, bending, twisting, high external pressure and knife scratching. The elongation rate and tensile strength of C/silicone were also increased by approximately 172% and 300%, respectively, compared with those of pristine silicone. In addition, the introduction of carbon nanotubes endows the composite materials with superior photothermal conversion performances, correspondingly presenting outstanding anti-icing and accelerated deicing effects, which can greatly reduce the heat loss of photothermal materials in practical applications. Importantly, the whole fabrication process would not include any fluorinated polymers so that the materials can be considered to be potentially safe and environment friendly.