The impact of surface metallization on multilayer carbon nanotubes regarding the operational characteristics of composite electric heaters utilized for anti-icing protection

Abstract

The design of energy-efficient heating techniques is emerging as a crucial scientific and technical challenge, driven by the growing focus on the advancement of the northern regions of the country, particularly the Arctic. Research in Arctic materials science, which incorporates cutting-edge techniques from various interdisciplinary fields like nanotechnology and electrotechnology, could become a key area of study for the development of these northern regions. The development of an electric heating composite material that utilizes an organosilicon elastomer as the polymer matrix and metallized multilayer carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) serving as a conductive filler with enhanced resistance to icing enables an efficient electrothermal anti-icing system The paper presents the results of the study of an electric heater based on the wiring of an elastic composite with the effect of temperature self-regulation. For modification of the silicon-organic compound, metallized MWCNTs were used, which increased the sensitivity of heating elements to ice formation. When the ambient temperature decreases, the polymer composite has different values of electrophysical parameters, which create the effect of acceptable electrical heating concerning the ambient temperature. The research results have significant practical value, as the heating elements can have different compositions and can be operated at low temperatures. Heating elements can effectively adjust the heating mode to the ambient temperature conditions, saving electrical energy. The heating time required for the ice to melt is 210 seconds, and the dynamics of the current consumption value correlate with the ambient temperature, reflecting the effect of temperature self-regulation.