[packagingguy]

There have been several attempts at making ice-free surfaces for various applications such as aviation. Many of them involve using engineered nanostructured surfaces.

The problem with nanostructured surfaces, or even larger, microscopic surface features is that they wear off very quickly. Kind of like Rain-X on you windshield. It lasts for a while but gradually small bits of dust blast the coating away.

I have a project at work which involves freezing a solution. We wanted to use metal molds but have found ice sticks to all metals and even Teflon. Can’t use nanostructured surfaces because the molds would wear out too quickly.

[LibWhacker]

Very informative, thank you. Definitely hadn't thought of that! They need to find mussels that don't allow ice to form on their shells, yet fly around at supersonic speeds, got it! :-)

Seriously, thank you.

[PapaBear3625]

I have a project at work which involves freezing a solution. We wanted to use metal molds but have found ice sticks to all metals and even Teflon. Can’t use nanostructured surfaces because the molds would wear out too quickly.

Could you use a thin metal mold, then briefly heat it enough that the ice comes loose enough to be taken out?