Epoxy Resin/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites with Gradient Concentration for Aviation Deicing

Abstract

Epoxy resin composites with excellent properties in mechanical and corrosion resistance are widely utilized in aviation, however, the high cost of industrial preparation has been a hindrance for their further application. Therefore, we proposed a simple and economical method to prepare a new type of conductive paint from epoxy resin and reduced graphene oxide composites in concentration gradients. The three-layer gradient concentration paint (TLGCP) possesses good electrical, mechanical, and electrothermal properties. Under the 10 V voltage, the surface temperature of TLGCP rises rapidly to about 120 °C within 100 s, which enables the 2 mm-thick ice layer to melt thoroughly within approximately 250 s at −30 °C. That guarantees the extraordinary deicing effect of TLGCP despite less graphene being utilized. In addition, the resistance of TLGCP almost remains unchanged after 1,000 compression cycles at a strain of 5%, indicating that the interfaces of TLGCP are well connected. The results indicate the great potential of TLGCP for aviation deicing, and its simple and economical preparation renders TLGCP well suited for industrial mass production.