Bio-inspired design of ice-retardant devices based on benthic marine invertebrates: the effect of surface texture.

ABSTRACT: Growth of ice on surfaces poses a challenge for both organisms and for devices that come into contact with liquids below the freezing point. Resistance of some organisms to ice formation and growth, either in subtidal environments (e.g., Antarctic anchor ice), or in environments with moisture and cold air (e.g., plants, intertidal) begs examination of how this is accomplished. Several factors may be important in promoting or mitigating ice formation. As a start, here we examine the effect of surface texture alone. We tested four candidate surfaces, inspired by hard-shelled marine invertebrates and constructed using a three-dimensional printing process. We examined sub-polar marine organisms to develop sample textures and screened them for ice formation and accretion in submerged conditions

SUBMITTER: Mehrabani H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4179385 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature