An alternative to chemically de-icing planes

If you fly in winter, you know just how annoying it can be when your take-off is delayed for obligatory de-icing. But can't we find a better solution? The problem is that water droplets stick to aluminium surfaces. That's how icy particles attach themselves to aeroplanes when it is cold and moist. Researchers are looking into how this can be prevented. One of the solutions to avoid ice formation on the aircraft is to coat the elements with superhydrophobic coatings.