Researchers in the UK have formulated new anti-icing fluids by utilizing affordable gelling agents, improving the ice-free period for stationary aircraft. These groundbreaking fluids, developed by the team from the University of York in partnership with Kilfrost, utilize derivatives of 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) to create supramolecular polymers. When blended with a 50:50 mixture of water and propylene glycol, this formulation produces a gel that markedly prolongs holdover time, inhibiting ice formation for over 90 minutes—more than twice the typical duration of existing anti-icing solutions.
The innovation involves DBS, a substance created by the reaction of sorbitol with benzaldehyde, which is cost-effective and can be derived from non-oil-based sources, as noted by David Smith, the principal chemist on the project. During blending, DBS molecules engage in π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions, leading to a gel that adheres to aircraft surfaces even in icy weather.
In contrast to the sturdy, covalently bonded networks established by conventional anti-icing sprays, these gels are linked through non-covalent forces. This property enables them to break down easily during takeoff and be collected and recycled from the runway. The cooperative efforts between academia and industry, as emphasized by Jonathan Steed from Durham University, showcase the effectiveness of this innovative answer to a significant challenge in aviation.