Development of materials and processes for energy efficiency improvement and the mitigation of climate change effects

This thesis investigates innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of atmospheric icing on electrical infrastructure, a challenge exacerbated by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change. A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted to explore passive anti-icing strategies, leveraging the chemical and physical properties of materials to reduce the accumulation of ice and snow. The study focuses on elastomeric coatings, particularly those based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Comparative analyses between Sylgard184 and Sylgard186 formulations identified optimal compositions and curing conditions to enhance anti-icing performance. Experimental results demonstrate that Sylgard184, prepared in a 30:1 A:B ratio and cured at 100°C for one hour, offers a promising combination of durability and anti-icing efficiency, with an adhesion reduction factor (ARF) of 6. Snow accretion tests conducted in simulated conditions revealed effective performance against dry and hybrid snow but highlighted limitations with wet snow. Further innovations included infusing lubricants into elastomeric matrices to create slippery coatings and employing thermal spraying techniques to deposit polyethylene layers, achieving enhanced anti-icing properties with careful optimization of coating thickness. Additionally, this research delved into superhydrophobic and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) on aluminum substrates. The study optimized the Aluminium-Water reaction to generate functionalized hierarchical nanostructures, demonstrating that smoother substrates provide superior anti-icing performance compared to rougher alternatives. The findings underscore the importance of balancing hydrophobicity, durability, and mechanical properties for effective anti-icing applications. This work lays a foundation for the development of sustainable, scalable, and energy-efficient materials, paving the way for industrial implementation to improve the resilience and reliability of electrical grids against atmospheric icing.