Supramolecular gels could revolutionize aircraft de-icing fluids, keeping planes ice-free for longer periods. Researchers at the University of York, in collaboration with Kilfrost, an anti-icing specialist, have developed a groundbreaking solution. By adding low-cost gelling agents to existing anti-icing fluids, they've created a formula that forms supramolecular polymers, significantly extending the 'holdover time' when ice doesn't form on aircraft wings. This innovation could potentially double the protection time compared to current products.
The key to this success lies in the gelling agent, 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS). Derived from the sugar sorbitol and benzaldehyde, both affordable and non-oil-based, DBS creates a unique supramolecular gel through π–π stacking interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. When tested on aluminum plates mimicking aircraft wings, the new anti-icing fluid demonstrated an impressive holdover time of over 90 minutes, compared to the standard 30-40 minutes.
What sets this apart is the gel's ability to break down easily during takeoff. Unlike traditional anti-icing sprays with robust cross-linked polymer networks, these gels are held together by non-covalent interactions, ensuring they don't interfere with the takeoff process. Moreover, the runoff from the gels can be collected along the runway and potentially repurposed, offering an environmentally friendly approach to aircraft de-icing.
