Researchers discover frost spreads via suspended 'ice bridges' above superhydrophobic surfaces, overturning long-held assumptions
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown pathway for frost spread: suspended 'ice bridges' that form above superhydrophobic surfaces, rather than only along the substrate as long assumed. This overturns decades-old assumptions about frost propagation and could influence the development of new anti-icing technologies. The study observed two distinct spatial modes of ice bridges — suspended bridges on superhydrophobic surfaces and substrate-attached causeway-type bridges on hydrophilic surfaces.
Key quotes
For the first time, researchers observed two distinct spatial modes of ice bridges: suspended bridges on superhydrophobic surfaces and substrate-attached causeway-type bridges on hydrophilic surfaces, overturning the long-standing assumption that ice bridges always grow along the substrate.
Frost can spread not only along surfaces but also via suspended ice bridges above superhydrophobic surfaces.
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