CFRP surface ply-centric electrified spatiotemporal self-heating for anti-icing/de-icing

• Published in: Composites science and technology 2024-10, Vol.257, p.110831, Article 110831
• Main Authors: Tian, Yu, Li, Shuran, Li, Mengze, Zhu, Weidong, Yan, Keping, Ke, Yinglin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-icing/De-icing; Carbon fibers; Multifunctional composites; Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Thermal properties
• ISSN: 0266-3538
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110831

With the widespread application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in engineering, the characteristics of uniformly carbon fiber (CF) orientation within a single-ply and laminated structure have inspired us to develop high-efficiency, low-consumption, manufacture-friendly, and non-destructive anti-icing/de-icing methods. Here, we propose a CFRP surface ply-centric electrified spatiotemporal self-heating (STSH) approach, which utilizes CFs in the surface ply as natural heating elements to achieve in-situ adaptable electrothermal anti-icing/de-icing. By adjusting the current waveform, the temporal heating profile can flexibly switch between a consistently stable temperature and periodically high peak temperatures, meeting the different heating characteristics required for anti-icing and de-icing, respectively. Simultaneously, the entangled CFs branch current, generating a spatial temperature gradient that enhances the design flexibility of temperature distribution. This enables energy concentration in icing-prone areas while maintaining a baseline temperature in less susceptible areas, thus reducing energy waste by up to 20%. Overall, this STSH approach is simple, efficient, and holds significant application potential, offering an innovative and feasible solution to long-standing challenges associated with anti-icing/de-icing. [Display omitted] •Simple and efficient solution to CFRP icing problems in extreme environments.•Without altering the manufacturing process and incurring additional costs.•With no introduction of heterogeneous elements, preserving mechanical integrity.•Imparts anti-icing/de-icing capabilities requiring only minor sanding.