AIRCRAFT ANTI-ICING FLUIDS THICKENED BY ASSOCIATIVE POLYMERS

摘要

An anti-icing fluid suitable for ground treatment of aircraft, being a glyco l- based, aqueous solution containing a hydrophobe-bearing, macromonomer-containing polymer thickener in an amount o f less than about 5 weight %. Thickening occurs predominantly by association among hydrophobe groups. Thickening may be enhanced by addition of a surfactant or other materials which act as co-thickeners. Use of this thickened fluid does not adversely affect airfoil lift characteristics during takeoff, because the fluid exhibits shear thinning and readily flows off the aircraft surfaces when exposed to wind shear during the air-craft's takeoff run.