3D printed epoxy-CNTs/GNPs conductive inks with application in anti-icing and de-icing systems. (5th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cortés, A.; Jiménez-Suárez, A.; Campo, M.; Ureña, A.; Prolongo, S.G.
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 141(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-05
• Subjects: Nanocomposites -- 3D printing -- Smart materials -- Anti-icing and de-icing systems (ADIS); Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.110090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: CNT content is the factor with the highest influence on temperature reached. GNPs enhance printability and circuit quality due to their lubricating effect. De-icing time for optimized ADIS was 3.5 min, showing a suitable ADIS behavior. Abstract: This paper studies the development and characterization of 3D printed conductive circuits based on epoxy inks doped with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and/or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), which could be used in applications such as electronic circuits, heated seats, Anti-icing and De-Icing Systems (ADIS) or Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems, among others. A design of experiments (DOE) has been carried out by the Taguchi method to develop and optimize an ADIS based on a 3D printed circuit, using a conductive ink doped with CNTs/GNPs to achieve Joulés heating. The target of the DOE is based on reaching the highest average temperature, which was measured by infrared thermographic analysis, taking also into account the quality of the 3D printed circuits. The DOE factors were the CNT and GNP content, the voltage applied to the circuit and its geometry, proposing two alternative designs. Finally, a de-icing test was carried out with the optimal parameters obtained from the DOE. Results evince the viability of the system developed, being able to melt an ice layer of 2.5 mm thick in 3 min and 30 s.