Body lotion additive nearly doubles aircraft anti-icing performance

Researchers at the University of York, in collaboration with anti-icing fluid provider Kilfrost, have discovered that adding low-molecular-weight-gelators (LMWGs)—molecules commonly used to thicken products like lotions and adhesives—can nearly double the effectiveness of aircraft anti-icing fluids. Currently, anti-icing fluids (Types II to IV) prevent ice formation on aircraft surfaces but only remain effective for about 60 to 70 minutes, necessitating frequent reapplication in cold weather and increasing operational costs. By incorporating just 0.25 grams of LMWGs into various anti-icing fluids, the team extended the holdover time to approximately 120 minutes under laboratory conditions at -5°C, effectively doubling the duration that ice formation is prevented. The study also demonstrated that these LMWG-enhanced fluids maintain their gel-like protective coating at rest but break down under shear forces similar to those experienced during flight, ensuring practical performance. Since LMWGs are inexpensive and required in minimal