Penguin feathers may hold an effective anti-icing solution

Penguin feathers may hold an effective anti-icing solution - McGill University research team develops chemical-free solution that could be used to de-ice electrical wires, wind turbines and even airplane wings In 1998, ice build-up on electrical towers and wires caused the ice storm that paralyzed eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, leaving many people in the dark and cold for days and even weeks. Most of the techniques used to remove ice from wind turbines, pylons, drones and airplane wings are time-consuming, costly and energy-intensive, and they also require the use of various chemicals. A research team from McGill University has turned to nature and believes it has found a promising solution inspired by the Papuan penguin, which swims in the icy waters of the South Pole region. Despite surface temperatures well below freezing, this seabird does not accumulate ice on its wings. "We first looked at the lotus leaf, which is very easy for water to glide over. Unfortunately, it doesn't get rid of the ice as easily," says Anne Kietzig , who has spent nearly 10 years looking for a solution. An associate professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McGill University, she is also director of the Biomimetic Surface Engineering Laboratory.