AeroPel Nanocomposite Protective Layer, APC400 Ice Protection Series, is a breakthrough solution for aircraft icing
Icephobic
The AeroPel APC400 Icephobic Series is being developed to limit ice nucleation, reduce ice adhesion strength, and minimize ice/snow accumulation for aircraft of all sizes
Extensive Testing
Sponsored by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, AeroPel APC400 Ice Protection Series was tested by the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab (CRREL) with positive results.
Record Setting
US Army CRREL called APC400 Ice Protection NPL “the best icephobic coating (they had) ever tested”. US Army CRREL confirmed that APC400 achieved their lowest ice adhesion strength ever recorded.
AeroPel APC400 Series
The AeroPel™ NPL APC variants work by imparting extreme levels of superhydrophobicity and icephobicity to aircraft substrates through a proprietary formulation. The superior surface energy properties actively prevent ice nucleation, thereby mitigating ice build-up and moisture impacts, protecting the treated substrate from atmospheric and galvanic corrosion in harsh environments, such as arctic, humid, and marine regions.
Under development specifically for aviation applications, APC400 uses proprietary nanotechnology to create a superhydrophobic surface on existing substrates that can repel water and drastically minimize ice buildup. Independent laboratory testing by the U.S. Army measured a value of 0.71 psi (5.1. kPa) for ice adhesion strength, the lowest value they have ever recorded for a coating or surface treatment. In addition, APC400 is being designed to maintain the excellent corrosion protection offered by the APW series of AeroPel, preventing direct substrate exposure to the environment.
The APC400 Ice Protection Series is being tested on commercial airliners for a period of over eight months to evaluate ice and corrosion protection. Operating in the Pacific, Alaskan, and North American regions, tests have been conducted on leading edge surfaces of wings and horizontal stabilizers, areas typically cold-soaked from altitude. These surfaces are known as the highest-risk areas for ice/moisture to accumulate, disrupting lift and causing corrosion in certain areas over time. APC 400 has demonstrated the elimination of ice-moisture accumulation and mitigated corrosion without degradation of the ice protection NPL over the test period.
AeroPel’s APC400 Ice Protection series may potentially make the traditional de-icing process obsolete in cold weather operations. With the ultra-low ice adhesion strength, any accumulation of ice and snow could easily be removed using high pressure air or water eliminating harmful chemicals.
Key Benefits
- Excellent water and ice repellency under extreme weather conditions
- Ultra-low ice adhesion strength on protected surface
- Superior corrosion protection in highly corrosive environments
- Stable and functional in extreme conditions from -60°F to 400°F (-51°C to 204°C)
- Improves overall operational efficiency and provides long term savings
