Nanotechnology May Help Solve Ice on Wings Problem in Aviation

Aircrafts face grave danger from ice accumulating on their wings. The results can be fatal if the accumulation of ice breaks off the wings. Now a solution for this problem may come from the nanoscience arena.

Researchers at Harvard University are designing a ice free nanostructured materials that will repel water droplets before they have a chance to freeze. The team of engineers is led by Joanna Aizenberg, and Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

This method of integrating the anti ice technology into a material is far more effective than traditional solutions such as chemical sprays, salt and heat. The team has focused more in prevention rather than fighting the ice already built up.

The technology can also be modified to be used on roads, utility lines, and buildings besides making air travel safer. The nanomaterial does not allow ice to form as they bounce off the water droplets before they can freeze and become ice.