Ice and frost accumulation significantly reduce the functionality of many surfaces. This
thesis investigated the influence of the viscosity of infused silicone oil on the behaviour of a
water droplet impacting a supercooled slippery surface. The tested surfaces were fabricated
by laser structuring, hydrophobization, and infusion with silicone oils of different viscosities.
Droplet spreading, retraction, and freezing were analysed at different surface temperatures
and Weber numbers. Particular emphasis was placed on the maximum spreading factor of
the droplet. The results showed that both the viscosity of the infused oil and the surface
temperature had a significant influence on droplet dynamics. As the temperature decreased,
the spreading and retraction dynamics of the droplet changed. Different lubricant viscosities
affected the interaction between the droplet and the lubricant layer and consequently
influenced the droplet behaviour during impact. The results of this study therefore contribute
to a better understanding of the influence of lubricant viscosity and surface temperature on
the behaviour of a water droplet impacting a supercooled slippery surface.
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