A fluoro(poly)ether group-containing silane compound represented by any of the formulae (A1), (A2), (B1), (B2), (C1), or (C2). In the formulae, PFPE is each independently at each occurrence a group represented by the formula: —(OC.sub.3F.sub.6).sub.d—, wherein the repeating unit OC.sub.3F.sub.6 of the formula includes a branched structure, and d is an integer of 2 or more and 200 or less. The symbols are as defined in the description.

To provide a fluorinated ether compound, a fluorinated ether composition and a coating liquid capable of forming a surface layer excellent in initial water/oil repellency, fingerprint stain removability, abrasion resistance, light resistance and chemical resistance, an article having a surface layer, and a method for producing it. A fluorinated ether compound represented by A-O—(R.sup.f1O).sub.m—R.sup.f2-Z.sup.1-Q.sup.1 (R.sup.1).sub.b, wherein A is a C.sub.1-20 perfluoroalkyl group, R.sup.f1 is a linear fluoroalkylene group, m is an integer of from 2 to 500, R.sup.f2 is a linear fluoroalkylene group, Z.sup.1 is a single bond, —(CR.sup.2R.sup.3).sub.c— (wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-6 monovalent organic group or the like, and c is an integer of from 1 to 10), a specific bond or a bivalent organic group having a specific bond, Q.sup.1 is a group having a (b+1) valent ring, R.sup.1 is a monovalent organic group having at least one hydrolyzable silyl group, and b is an integer of at least 2.

A structure for use as a liquid impregnated surface (LIS) can include a surface configured to interact with a liquid to retain the liquid to the surface. The liquid can be a low viscosity hydrocarbon. In certain embodiments, the low viscosity hydrocarbon can be polyalphaolefin (PAO) or heptane, for example. Any other suitable low viscosity hydrocarbon is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the structure can further include the low viscosity hydrocarbon disposed on the surface.

A structure for use as a liquid impregnated surface (LIS) can include a surface configured to interact with a liquid to retain the liquid to the surface. The liquid can be a low viscosity hydrocarbon. In certain embodiments, the low viscosity hydrocarbon can be polyalphaolefin (PAO) or heptane, for example. Any other suitable low viscosity hydrocarbon is contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the structure can further include the low viscosity hydrocarbon disposed on the surface.

A deicing formulation, comprising a chemically degraded extract derived from biowaste; and a salt is provided. Methods for preventing ice formation or removing ice from a surface by applying the deicing formula made of chemically degraded extract derived from biowaste and a salt to the surface are also provided.

Highly efficient, multi-functional anti-icing compositions and methods of their use are provided. Anti-icing compositions include hydrogels configured to form thin film coatings on various surfaces via spin coating under UV irradiation. Multifunctional anti-icing platforms are based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-grafted polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Methods for grafting hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains onto a hydrophilic polyelectrolyte network containing various counterions, forming a multifunctional hybrid anti-icing hydrogel are also provided.

Highly efficient, multi-functional anti-icing compositions and methods of their use are provided. Anti-icing compositions include hydrogels configured to form thin film coatings on various surfaces via spin coating under UV irradiation. Multifunctional anti-icing platforms are based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-grafted polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Methods for grafting hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains onto a hydrophilic polyelectrolyte network containing various counterions, forming a multifunctional hybrid anti-icing hydrogel are also provided.

The present invention relates to an article having a surface coated with a nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film having a static contact angle with water of at least 140°, preferably exhibiting multiple length scales of roughness and comprising nanoparticles functionalized with a hydrophobic agent, wherein the functionalization of the nanoparticles with the hydrophobic agent has been performed before said nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film is coated on said surface. The surface of the article exhibits a static contact angle with water of at least 60° before being coated with the nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film. The treatment according to the invention can be used to provide an antirain function to optical articles having a hydrophobic surface.

The present invention relates to an article having a surface coated with a nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film having a static contact angle with water of at least 140°, preferably exhibiting multiple length scales of roughness and comprising nanoparticles functionalized with a hydrophobic agent, wherein the functionalization of the nanoparticles with the hydrophobic agent has been performed before said nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film is coated on said surface. The surface of the article exhibits a static contact angle with water of at least 60° before being coated with the nanostructured temporary super-hydrophobic film. The treatment according to the invention can be used to provide an antirain function to optical articles having a hydrophobic surface.

A snow conversion system for removal of snow from an access surface includes a mixing tank and a conveyor apparatus fluidly connected to the mixing tank for transferring the snow from the access surface into the mixing tank. The system also includes a fluid delivery arrangement for injecting a chemical agent into the mixing tank to combine the chemical agent with the transferred snow and thereby generate a solution of the melted snow and the chemical agent. The system additionally includes a mixer for agitating and mixing the snow and the injected chemical agent in the mixing tank to thereby further facilitate melting of the snow in the mixing tank. The system further includes a fluid nozzle in fluid communication with the mixing tank for dispensing the solution of the melted snow and the chemical agent onto the access surface to thereby provide de-icing and/or anti-icing of the access surface.