dr hab. Nataliya Kizilova, Freezing at small scales: experiments, theory and nature-inspired solutions

Ice formation on different types of steady and moving surfaces in the conditions of low ambient temperatures makes significant problems for the airplanes, drones, wind turbines, electric power lines, cars, buildings and pavements.

Significant efforts have been applied to elaborate cheap and efficient de-icing and anti-icing methods as well as icephobic coatings with low surface energy.

Many ideas for the superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, icephobic and antifouling surfaces have been manufactured based on the biomimetic designs taken from the nature.

In this talk a brief review of the active and passive de-icing and anti-icing methods will be given. Particular attention will be paid to the engineered nature-inspired surfaces and the results of their experimental testing.

Thermodynamic theory of different stages of freezing will be presented, and the most advancing topics will be discussed.