Icing Characteristics of Textured Silicone Rubber Surface Based on Laser Engraving

Because of its good mechanical and electrical insulation properties, silicone rubber has various applications. However, in a low-temperature environment, the ice coating on its surface severely limits its application. In this paper, a laser engraving machine was used to process a series of micron-sized cylindrical textures on the surface of a composite insulator umbrella skirt, resulting in a superhydrophobic surface that required no chemical modification. Three-dimensional topography instruments and a scanning electron microscope were used to observe the surface morphology of the samples. The adhesion measurement device was used to assess the ice adhesion of textured silicone rubber surfaces under various operating conditions. A high-speed camera was used to capture the condensation-melting process of droplets on the surfaces of various textured silicone rubber. The results show that under certain working conditions, the cylindrical texture sample with the processing power of 35 W and texture diameter and spacing of 350 gm exhibits the hest hydmphobicity and the lowest adhesion, and the best anti-icing performance. Friction tests confirm that the surface texture of the processed silicone rubber has certain icerepellent durability and stability.