Neuron-like thermal silica bridge between boron nitride nanosheets with hard-soft composite structure to enhance thermal conductivity and anti-icing properties on CFRP

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are popular as novel aeronautical material for its high strength and low density. However, CFRP is unfit for aircraft electric deicing system due to its low thermal conductivity and hydrophilicity, which leads to more serious icing phenomenon and inhibition of de-icing effect. Inspired by neuron structure, the thermal silica bridge in BNNS@SiO2 composite coatings were designed to improve the in-plane thermal conductive from 1.647 to 6.702 W/mK by sol–gel method and spraying technology. Hard SiO2 particles and soft boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) constitute hard-soft composite structure with hydrophobicity, anti-icing properties (4.09 times icing delay time) and abrasion resistance (kept 98.7% after 180 abrasion cycles). Under the combined action of thermal conductivity and hydrophobicity, the 53.8% energy saving of de-icing system was realized under the heating power of 3 W. Meanwhile, the thermal conductive/hydrophobic composite coating both possessed insulation and flame retardant.