A solid-liquid composite coating of Fe-doped CNT via AACVD method: Achieving low friction and ice resistance

Superhydrophobic solid-liquid composite (SLC) coatings are recognized as a promising material for addressing wear and ice accumulation issues due to their inherent self-lubricating properties. In this study, iron-doped carbon nanotube (CNT@Fe) coatings with photothermal, anti-friction, and wear-resistant properties were successfully fabricated via an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) process. Subsequently, a spin-coating process was employed to apply perfluoropolyether (PFPE) onto the CNT surface, resulting in the formation of solid-liquid composite coatings. The CNT coating inherently proves to be highly stable, self-lubricating, and wear-resistant properties. Following the application of the solid-liquid composite, the film exhibited an average friction coefficient decrease to 0.10, marking a 33 % decrease compared to the 0.15 coefficient of CNT coatings. Additionally, the wear rate decreased by approximately 74 %. The main factors for reducing friction and preventing wear are the self-lubricating and bearing properties of CNT, along with the solid-liquid synergistic lubrication provided by solid-liquid composite coatings. Meanwhile, the superhydrophobicity of the coatings and the photothermal effect result in excellent anti-icing properties, which make it possible to de-ice in 300 s. The coatings exhibit prospective for outdoor anti-icing applications and mechanical component surfaces due to their photothermal and wear resistance characteristics.