Printed Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Based Joule Heating Devices Integrated as Functional Laminae in Advanced Composites

Abstract

This work reports the design and fabrication of novel printed single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) electrothermal Joule heating devices. The devices are directly deposited on unidirectional (UD) glass fiber (GF) fabrics. The GF-SWCNT Joule heaters were integrated during manufacturing as "system" plies in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates. Specific secondary functions were imparted on the composite laminate endowing thus a multifunctional character. The efficient out-of-oven curing (OOC) of a CFRP laminate was demonstrated using a sandwich configuration comprising top/bottom GF-SWCNT system plies. A total power consumption of ca. 10.5 kWh for the efficient polymerization of the thermoset matrix was required. Infrared thermography (IR-T) monitoring showed a uniform and stable temperature field before and after impregnation with epoxy resin. Quasi-static three-point bending and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed a minor knock-down effect of the OOC−CFRP laminates properties compared to oven cured CFRPs, whereas the glass transition temperature (T g ) was almost identical. The OOC−CFRP laminates were efficient in providing additional functions such as deicing and self-sensing that are highly sought in the energy and transport sectors, i.e., wind turbine blades or aircraft wings. The novel modular design provides unique opportunities for large-area applications via multiple interconnected arrays of printed devices.

Rapid and Energy-Efficient Frontal Curing of Multifunctional Composites Using Integrated Nanostructured Heaters

“…Another promising method for energy-efficient and cost-effective curing of FRPCs is direct conductive heating of composite laminates via a resistive heater. , In contrast to conventional autoclave- or oven-based curing approaches, where a large fraction of the consumed energy is used to heat the gas inside an autoclave or oven to transfer the heat to the composite laminate via convective heat transfer, resistive heating allows for direct heating of the composite layup through conduction, resulting in substantial energy saving . Metal meshes, carbon fibers, and various conductive nanomaterials have been used as resistive elements for conductive heating and curing of composites. , Nanostructured films and papers of carbon nanomaterials (e.g., buckypaper, graphene paper, and laser-induced graphene) are particularly promising for Joule heating of composites due to their excellent Joule heating properties, deformability, ease of integration into composite layups, and low thermal mass and density. ,, Another advantage of using nanostructured heaters is that they can be integrated into composite laminates and impart new functions to the host composite such as self-heating, deicing, lightning strike protection, and self-sensing of damage and strain …”

“…19 Metal meshes, carbon fibers, and various conductive nanomaterials have been used as resistive elements for conductive heating and curing of composites. 21,22 Nanostructured films and papers of carbon nanomaterials (e.g., buckypaper, graphene paper, and laser-induced graphene) are particularly promising for Joule heating of composites due to their excellent Joule heating properties, deformability, ease of integration into composite layups, and low thermal mass and density. 4,23,24 Another advantage of using nanostructured heaters is that they can be integrated into composite laminates and impart new functions to the host composite such as selfheating, 25 deicing, 26 lightning strike protection, 27 and selfsensing of damage and strain.…”

Flexible Full-Surface Conformal Encapsulation for Each Fiber in Graphene Glass Fiber Fabric against Thermal Oxidation

“…Carbon materials, such as carbon fiber, , carbon nanotube, − and graphene, − are widely used in electronic devices due to their excellent electrical and thermal properties . Thermal and chemical stabilities of the carbon-based electronic devices are the significant foundations for their long-term stable performances. , However, carbon materials are facing the tough issue of material oxidation, especially at high working temperature .…”

Enhanced mechanical properties and self‐heating performance of few‐layer graphene‐poly vinylidene fluoride based nanocomposites

“…Polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanomaterials as conductive fillers are of great interest in manufacture of functional materials to use in variety of applications. Because, their density is low, mechanically strong, better electrical conductors and possess good chemical resistance, and easy processability as compared to the metal or ceramic based materials 1–3 4–6 .…”

“…Because, their density is low, mechanically strong, better electrical conductors and possess good chemical resistance, and easy processability as compared to the metal or ceramic based materials. [1][2][3] Conductive carbon nanofillers such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) incorporated polymer nanocomposites can respond to the external trigger such as temperature, pressure, light, electricity, and so forth. [4][5][6] Hence they have been used extensively in the various applications including energy harvesting materials, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, solar thermal energy utilization, piezoelectric sensors, gas and water purification materials, waste heat recovery devices, deicing, selfheating (joule heating) materials, and so on.…”