International. Scientists at GE Global Research have announced a new breakthrough in an ongoing project to develop new antifreeze applications for coatings that were created in laboratories using nanotechnology.
GE scientists have focused on creating superhydrophobes, or extreme water repellents, which are materials like surface coatings that could prevent ice formation.
The investigation says that, in addition to reducing ice formation on surfaces, the "nanotexture" coating also delays ice formation from its formation under atmospheric conditions that were simulated in the laboratory. As long as an uncoated surface experiences ice formation almost immediately under those conditions, the GE researchers found that a surface with the nanotexture coating will not do so for about 80 seconds.
This delay time means increased efficiency and reduced operating costs for machines susceptible to ice formation such as jet engines and wind turbines.
In addition, GE researchers are also developing superhydrophobic coatings to aid in moisture control in steam turbines, which can increase efficiency. Applied to other parts of a gas turbine, nanocoating can reduce "fouling," allowing the turbine to run more efficiently and reduce maintenance downtime.
Leave your comment