Fabrication and characterization of graphene-based de-icing heater

In this study, graphene based paper was utilized as a potential deicing material. Vacuum bagging technique was used to fabricate the composite panel which consisted of graphene based paper and epoxy/glass fiber. The techniques used to fabricate graphene based paper were chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and hot pressing techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize graphene based paper and composite panels. The thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity were measured for graphene based paper. The temperature distribution in the composite panel during deicing tests was studied using infrared thermal imaging. The deicing test based on the joule heating of the composite panel by applying electrical potential. Various electrical potential applied to the composite panel to investigate the role of potential applied on the deicing process. Based on the results, the optimum potential applied 5 V was sufficient to remove ice from panel's surface with low power consumption. The temperature profile of composite panels showed higher temperature for composite panel of CVD graphene-based paper compared by hot pressing sample because of higher in-plane thermal conductivity for CVD graphene-based paper.