De-icing Materials Research Articles

Analysis of potential genotoxicity of deicing material in the test for induction of dominant lethal mutations in germ cells of male Drosophila

Introduction. Long-term use of deicing materials (DM) is one of the significant factors causing the active distribution of various chemical compounds that are part of multicomponent deicing mixtures in the environment. In this regard, the expansion of methodological approaches to assessing their biological hazard remains important. Materials and methods. The DM used for research based on a mixture of urea with magnesium and ammonium nitrates. The DM was tested in the form of an aqueous solution and added to the soil to obtain an aqueous extract. The analysis includes test for induced dominant lethal mutations in Drosophila male germ cells. Results. All samples tested significantly reduced the fertility of Drosophila males. The frequencies of early dominant lethal mutations (EDLM) significantly exceeded the levels of the controls, and the effects of the soil extract appeared at the lowest concentration – 5 g/L and of the DM solution – 10 g/L. The trend in the rate of late dominant lethal mutations (LDLM) indicates to the death of sperm or a decrease in mating potency. Limitations. The method of inducing dominant lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster and the genotoxic effects assessment of DM in the germ cells of male flies within the study has no restrictions. Conclusion. The conducted test is so far the only one in the field of research into the genetic safety of multicomponent DMs using a method for induced dominant lethal mutations in Drosophila male germ cells. The results prove the high informative rate of the methodological approach which involves analyzing soil extracts to identify and assess a genotoxicity of DM component composition when it enters the soil which can become as a transit layer for migration of DM components and their products transformation into groundwater.

Альтернативні протиожеледні матеріали для боротьби з утворенням та ліквідації зимової слизькості на автомобільних дорогах

Introduction. The winter season is the most challenging for road maintenance and traffic management. Key factors affecting vehicle movement during winter include the presence of ice and snow-ice buildup, leading to a sharp decline int tyre grip, increased rolling resistance, and deteriorating surface evenness. Problem Statement. Addressing the prevention and elimination of ice on roads is a priority in all countries that experience negative temperatures annually. In our country, the salt from the “Artemsil” plant was traditionally used to combat winter slipperiness. However, the plant was destroyed at the beginning of the war, necessitating the search for alternative de-icing materials for roads and streets. Objective. To study the possibility of using alternative de-icing materials (industrial waste, local materials, etc.) for combating winter slipperiness on roads during the martial law period.

Winter maintenance, snow removal, winter slipperiness, use of de-icing materials and their environmental impact

Introduction. One of the most important road works is road maintenance work, which includes technical supervision of the road, road structures and right-of-way for timely detection and elimination of defects, ensuring the operation of road elements, including artificial structures, in different periods of the year, in particular, in the winter period, keeping them in proper operating condition, and others. Problem statement. The performance of works on winter maintenance, namely the use of methods of combating snow drifts, elimination of winter slipperiness, has both a positive and a negative impact on the environment, which is due to the use of technical salt as one of the methods of ice prevention and elimination. Such melting anti-icing material accelerates the destruction of the road surface, reduces productivity, pollutes the soil and water bodies. Purpose. Review of the main road works performed by road enterprises during the winter maintenance of highways and their consequences for the condition of the road surface, right-of-way, soil and water bodies. Analysis of the experience of other countries regarding ecological approaches aimed at the winter maintenance of highways, taking into account the consequences for the ecosystem.

Preparation and properties of an anti-icing and de-icing emulsified asphalt coating containing RTV and CNTs

In regions experiencing cold weather, road icing poses significant challenges to transportation safety. Traditional anti-icing or de-icing methods, such as salt spraying, have raised environmental concerns, prompting the exploration of more sustainable alternatives. This study introduces a novel approach by developing a hydrophobic coating for road surfaces. This method involves using room-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the hydrophobic modification of emulsified asphalt (EA), resulting in the preparation of modified emulsified asphalt (RCEA). This method does not cause environmental pollution and makes the road surface highly hydrophobic and effective at preventing ice formation. When the dosages of RTV and CNTs are 20 wt% and 4 wt%, respectively, the contact angle of RCEA reaches 118.6°, showing a significant increase of 73.4 % compared to EA. Comparative tests have revealed that RCEA extends the freezing time of water droplets by 66.7 % at −10 °C compared to traditional emulsified asphalt (EA). Furthermore, the adhesion force of ice on the RCEA surface is 58.2 % lower than on EA, indicating significantly improved de-icing efficiency. The results of ultraviolet aging and freeze-thaw cycle tests show that RCEA maintains its hydrophobicity, evidenced by only a slight reduction in the contact angle. Additionally, water seepage coefficient tests and anti-skid performance assessments confirm that RCEA meets the requisite standards for road performance. In summary, RCEA emerges as a promising anti-icing and de-icing material for asphalt roads, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional de-icing methods.

Green and blue infrastructure as model system for emissions of technology-critical elements

Over the recent decades, technological advancements have led to a rise in the use of so-called technology-critical elements (TCEs). Environmental monitoring of TCEs forms the base to assess whether this leads to increased anthropogenic release and to public health implications. This study employs an exploratory approach to investigate the distribution of the TCEs Li, Be, V, Ga, Ge, Nb, Sb, Te, Ta, Tl, Bi and the REYs (rare-earth elements including yttrium) in urban aerosol in the city of Vienna, Austria.Leaf samples (n = 292) from 8 plant species and two green facades and water samples (n = 18) from the Wienfluss river were examined using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). Surface dust contributions were assessed by washing one replicate of each leaf sample and analysing the washing water (n = 146). The impacts of sampling month, plant species and storey level on elemental distribution were assessed by statistical tools and generative deep neural network modelling. Higher TCE levels, including Li, V, Ga, Ge, Tl, Bi, and the REYs, were found in the winter months, likely due to the use of de-icing materials and fossil fuel combustion. A. millefolium and S. heufleriana displayed the highest levels of Li and Ge, respectively. In addition, increased elemental accumulation at lower storeys was observed, including Be, Sb, Bi and the REYs, indicating greater atmospheric dust deposition and recirculation closer to ground level.The results suggest a broad association of TCE levels with urban dust. This study enhances the current understanding of TCE distribution in urban settings and underscores the importance of their inclusion in pollution monitoring. It highlights the complex interplay of human activities, urban infrastructure, and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for managing urban environmental health risks and underlining the need for comprehensive urban ecosystem studies.

ЕКОЛОГІЧНІ РИЗИКИ ВПРОДОВЖ ЖИТТЄВОГО ЦИКЛУ АВТОМОБІЛЬНОЇ ДОРОГИ

Introduction. The conditions of economic development and social changes in Ukraine require accelerated development of road transport infrastructure, which includes the road industry, motor roads and facilities located on them. During the construction, operation and repair of motor roads, operating vehicles emit pollutants from fuel combustion products into the air, and generate noise and vibration. Pollution of soils, groundwater, and then water bodies can occur due to the deposition of pollutants and dust emitted from running car engines on the road surface, as well as dust from worn tires, road markings, car parts, the road surface itself, used industrial oil, oil leaks, and de-icing materials (in winter). Problem statement. Today, the country is faced with the task of actively working to modernize, expand and improve the entire road network. However, economic development and the scale of natural resource use should not be a hazard to ecological balance. Objective. Taking into account environmental aspects in the design and operation of the motor road and transport infrastructure facilities intended for its maintenance can lead to an increase in the service life of these structures, a decrease in energy and material consumption for their restoration. Materials and methods. The life cycle assessment method allows for a comprehensive approach that recognizes strategies to reduce environmental impacts throughout all stages of transport infrastructure facilities life cycle, from design to end of life (if there is no possibility of their further restoration).

Оценка потенциального риска хлоридов и их влияние на всхожесть семян и развитие проростков растений

The article discusses the negative effect of de-icing materials (DM) and salts in their composition on plant seedlings germination and development. The influence of sodium and potassium cations and chlorine anion on phytotoxicity index is considered. The dynamics of test-plants (Avena sativa L., Raphanus sativa L., Hordeum vulgare L.) response on a number of test-indicators depending on the concentration of basic salts in DM by a promising method of phytotesting was analyzed. The analyzed DMs in concentrations higher than 1% have an inhibitory effect. The DM at 14–16 g/L suppresses root length of test plants (more than 50%) relative to the control. The low content of heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Pb, in the analyzed DM samples indicates the toxicity of sodium chloride as an active de-icing agent. The results of statistical analysis convincingly prove the high phytotoxicity of sodium chloride (NaCl) in relation to such indicators of the juvenile test-plant development as germination, the primary root length and the coleoptile height. Increasing the NaCl concentration in the solution from 0.75 to 1% was strongly toxic to the test-plants (more than 50%). Potassium chloride (KCl) in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0% showed no phytotoxicity. The KCl presence in the NaCl-included de-icing reagent reduces its phytotoxicity and allows the toxicity level of the agent to be assessed as “moderately toxic”.

Efficient Photothermal Anti-/Deicing Enabled by 3D Cu2-x S Encapsulated Phase Change Materials Mixed Superhydrophobic Coatings.

Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces are one of the most promising anti-/deicing materials, yet they are limited by the low energy density and intermittent nature of solar energy. Here, a coupling solution based on microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) that integrates photothermal effect and phase change thermal storage is proposed. Dual-shell octahedral MPCMs with Cu2 O as the first layer and 3D Cu2-x S as the second layer for the first time is designed. By morphology and phase manipulation of the Cu2-x S shell, the local surface plasmonic heating modulation of MPCMs is realized, and the MPCM reveals full-spectrum high absorption with a photothermal conversion efficiency up to 96.1%. The phase change temperature and enthalpy remain in good consistency after 200 cycles. Multifunctional photothermal phase-change superhydrophobic composite coatings are fabricated by combining the hydrolyzed and polycondensation products of octadecyl trichlorosilane and the dual-shell MPCM. The multifunctional coatings exhibit excellent anti-/deicing performance under low temperature and high humidity conditions. This work not only provides a new approach for the design of high-performance MPCMs but also opens up an avenue for the anti-icing application of photothermal phase-change superhydrophobic composite coatings.

Safe cycling in winter: Results of a case study on the role of de-icing in the city of Hamburg, Germany

Introduction: In parts of Europe and North America, cycling volumes decrease in winter due to a reduction in subjective safety. To counter this, high-quality winter maintenance is required on cycle paths. At the moment, grit and sodium chloride are considered state-of-the-art gritting/de-icing materials in Germany. However, grit has to be removed after winter because it poses a serious injury risk on dry streets, and, in various German cities, using sodium chloride is prohibited on segregated bike paths due to the harmful impact on surrounding trees. Therefore, there is a need for alternative gritting/de-icing materials. Method: We used a mixed-methods approach consisting of qualitative and quantitative surveys together with laboratory investigations and a life cycle assessment to find suitable alternatives to sodium chloride and grit for use on segregated bike paths, and tested four de-icing materials (sodium chloride as a reference, sodium formate, calcium magnesium acetate or CMA, and potassium acetate) at two sites in Hamburg, Germany. The tests were accompanied by on-site cyclist surveys. Results: The results show that the use of alternative (non-sodium chloride) de-icing materials either reduces or eliminates negative impacts on the environment at a local level, for example on trees along the cycle path. However, this reduction goes hand in hand with increasing negative environmental impacts at a global level due to higher overall emissions associated with the tested alternative de-icing materials. Regarding cyclists’ safety, sodium formate was the only de-icing material which delivered comparable results to sodium chloride and should therefore be tested in extended conditions. Conclusions: Further research is needed on the large-scale application of the investigated de-icing agents on cycle paths in different cities, along with a survey of a larger number of cyclists. A final evaluation of the environmental aspects can only be made when the supply and production conditions for large-scale use are clear. Practical Applications: Basically there are two options for the practical application of de-icing materials: The usage of the costlier alternatives with better properties at a local level in the hope of fast development towards a better global GHG footprint in their manufacturing processes, or sticking to the use of grit and sodium chloride (where it is possible) while committing to improving clean-up after the snow and ice melt to prevent unsafe road conditions in spring.

Enhanced solar photothermal anti-/de-icing performance of microstructured polypropylene/graphene composite surfaces with diameter- and density-optimized nanopillars

Ice formation significantly hinders human productivity and daily life. Photothermal de-icing materials offer a promising solution for solar energy applications. Anodized Al oxide foils with diameter- and density-optimized micro/nanostructured pores were used as templates to prepare photothermal polypropylene/graphene (PP/GP) composites with varying GP contents through compression molding. The impact of the GP content on the absorption rate, photothermal properties, and anti-/de-icing performance of the PP/GP composites were systematically investigated. The transmittance at a GP content > 1 % was nearly zero. The reflectivity and absorbance of the PP/GP content increased and decreased, respectively, with an increasing GP content. The temperature of the center of the PP/GP composite stabilized at approximately 94 °C after 5 min of light exposure, and the de-icing time was 70 s. This innovative approach integrates superhydrophobicity with excellent photothermal conversion properties, enabling effective ice prevention in cold environments with prolonged icing completion times (214 s).

Low modulus of polydimethylsiloxane organogel coatings induced low ice adhesion

Organogels with low modulus are widely used as anti-icing materials due to their low ice adhesion strength. In this work, the poly(dimethylsiloxane) swelled with silicone oil, trimethyl terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane), vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxanes, and hydride terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) were prepared, respectively. The organogels with a wide range of shear modulus displayed various ice adhesion strength. In particular, the lowest ice adhesion strength 6.5 kPa was obtained for poly(dimethylsiloxane)/100 trimethyl terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) at −10 °C. After being placed for 60 days, the ice adhesion strength of poly(dimethylsiloxane)/trimethyl terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) almost maintained the previous effect. We believed that the low modulus and the lubricated film co-contributed to this result. However, the even lower modulus of poly(dimethylsiloxane) gels enhanced the ice adhesion strength due to the failure within poly(dimethylsiloxane) gels. Molecular dynamics further demonstrated that the ice adhesion strength was almost independent on the electrostatic interactions and van der Waals. This work opens up new opportunities for tailoring modulus of organogels by tuning structures and composition of de-icing materials.

Easy, Fast Self-Heating Polyurethane Nanocomposite with the Introduction of Thermally Annealed Carbon Nanotubes Using Near-Infrared Lased Irradiation

In this study, high-crystallinity single walled carbon nanotubes (H-SWNTs) were prepared by high-temperature thermal annealing at 1800 °C and a self-heating shape memory polyurethane nanocomposite with excellent self-heating characteristics was developed within a few seconds by irradiation with near-infrared rays. With a simple method (heat treatment), impurities at the surface of H-SWNTs were removed and at the same time the amorphous structure converted into a crystalline structure, improving crystallinity. Therefore, high conductivity (electric, thermal) and interfacial affinity with PU were increased, resulting in improved mechanical, thermal and electric properties. The electrical conductivity of neat polyurethane was enhanced from ~10-11 S/cm to 4.72 × 10-8 S/cm, 1.07 × 10-6 and 4.66 × 10-6 S/cm, while the thermal conductivity was enhanced up to 60% from 0.21 W/mK, 0.265 W/mK and 0.338 W/mK for the composites of 1, 3 and 5 wt%, respectively. Further, to achieve an effective photothermal effect, H-SWNTs were selected as nanofillers to reduce energy loss while increasing light-absorption efficiency. Thereafter, near-infrared rays of 818 nm were directly irradiated onto the nanocomposite film to induce photothermal properties arising from the local surface plasmon resonance effect on the CNT surface. A self-heating shape memory composite material that rapidly heated to 270 °C within 1 min was developed, even when only 3 wt.% of H-SWNTs were added. The results of this study can be used to guide the development of heat-generating coating materials and de-icing materials for the wing and body structures of automobiles or airplanes, depending on the molding method.

Deicing characteristics and pavement performance of eco-friendly de-icing asphalt mixture

To address the icing problem on the road, this paper, based on the salt accumulation and de-icing technology, used binary acetate as the de-icing material to prepare an eco-friendly de-icing filler(EDF), and EDF replaced the mineral fillers into four types of asphalt mixtures of matrix, SBS, high viscosity and rubber to prepare four different eco-friendly de-icing asphalt mixtures (EDAM). The compatibility and adhesiveness of four types of asphalt with the EDF were studied by scanning electron microscope test and pull-out test. By setting the freeze–thaw cycle conditions, the performance changes of water stability and low-temperature crack resistance of the four types of EDAM were studied. The pavement-ice interface adhesion reduction test and de-icing salt precipitation test were used to analyze the differences in the de-icing effect of four types of EDAM. The test results show that the adhesiveness between four types of asphalt mastic and EDF are different, which has an important impact on the road performance; In the freeze–thaw cycle environment, the addition of EDF damages the water stability and low temperature flexibility of the asphalt mixture, but enhances the anti-rutting performance after washout. In the de-icing effect, the four types of EDMA show various performances. This paper shows that the road performance and de-icing performance of EDMA with high viscosity are the best, which provides a new method for deicing asphalt pavement.

Addition of amines to molasses and lees as corrosion inhibitors in sustainable de-icing materials

The waste formed during sugar- and wine-making activities has attracted our attention given its ability to inhibit corrosion in the presence of brine in a de-icing formulation. Herein the addition of amines to de-sugared beet molasses and winery lees is found to improve their anti-corrosive properties. Thus, weight-loss experiments clearly show that the addition of a small amount of amines to molasses or lees results in marked corrosion inhibition on carbon and galvanized steel. Subsequent electrochemical experiments and microscopy studies supported this finding. In addition, microscopy images indicated that triethanolamine was the best candidate amongst the amines tested for use in the final de-icing formulation. Ice-melting experiments demonstrated that the presence of molasses/lees together with triethanolamine does not alter the properties of the de-icing agent. When corrosion on galvanized and carbon steel probes was measured under environmental conditions, a decrease of 88% for galvanized steel and 65% for carbon steel was achieved due to the inhibiting action of the molasses/triethanolamine mixture. These results suggest that the addition of molasses/lees and triethanolamine to brine-based de-icing agents is recommended.

THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO RESEARCH THE ROLLING PROCESS OF THE DRIVEN WHEEL SIDE DRAWER ON A WINTER ROAD

The stability of the movement of motor vehicles in the cold season is ensured by the ability of car tires to create lateral reactions on winter roads. The lateral adhesion of the tire to the support surface is evaluated by its lateral withdrawal characteristics, which determine the coefficient of lateral adhesion and the critical angle of the tire withdrawal. With the use of chemical deicing materials, the coupling properties of tires have significantly deteriorated, especially in the lateral direction. The lack of knowledge about the processes of movement of a tire with lateral withdrawal on a winter road covered with chemical deicing materials determines the relevance of scientific research.
 The article discusses the non-stationary characteristics of the lateral withdrawal of Amtel NordMaster175/70R13 passenger friction tires, obtained from the results of their tests on a winter public road covered with rolled snow and sand-salt mixture. The graphs show that the use of sodium chloride reduces the lateral grip of friction tires and the stability of motor vehicles.
 Purpose – obtaining non-stationary characteristics of lateral withdrawal of passenger friction tires on a road covered with rolled snow and sand-salt mixture, and estimated parameters of lateral traction.
 Methodology: a road test method using the methodology and tire tester developed by the author to study the unsteady lateral withdrawal of automobile tires.
 Results: The unsteady characteristics of the lateral withdrawal of Amtel NordMaster 175/70R13 passenger friction tires were obtained, the coefficients of lateral adhesion and critical withdrawal angles were determined.
 Practical implications: the obtained results are necessary to correct the mathematical model that allows performing an analytical study of the processes of lateral withdrawal of automobile tires on roads with winter slipperiness.

Effect of graphene oxide doping on anti-/deicing performance of shape memory epoxy resin

A type of anti-/deicing material of graphene oxide (GO) reinforced modified shape memory epoxy resin (EP) composite was prepared. The thermal and anti-/deicing performance of the shape memory GO/EP composite was analyzed by experiments to employing on the anti-icing and deicing filed. In this study, GO was introduced to improve the heat transfer characteristics and mechanical recovery characteristics of shape memory EP, which comprehensively enhance the shape memory properties. The experimental results show that GO is uniformly dispersed in the shape memory EP to form heat conduction network channels, which significantly improves the heat transfer rate and shape recovery rate of the shape memory GO/EP composites. Furthermore, the content of GO directly affects the anti-/deicing efficiency. When the content of GO is 1 wt%, the anti-icing efficiency of the shape memory GO/EP composite was the highest, which is 49.90% higher than that of the undoped GO sample. Under the same doping content, the deicing efficiency of shape memory GO/EP composite is 66.91% higher than that of GO/EP composite without shape memory function. This paper analyzes the problems existing in the experiments, and puts forward the improvement direction of the follow-up research, which has reference significance for the research in related fields.

Current Ice Adhesion Testing Methods and the Need for a Standard: A Concise Review

Ice accretion is a serious problem in cold climates, causing automobile and airplane accidents, as well as severe economic losses throughout various sectors. To combat these issues, many solutions have been developed, such as de-icing materials, which can delay or prevent the adhesion of ice to a surface through chemical, temperature, or physical means. To effectively assess the properties of a de-icing material, ice adhesion testing must be conducted, of which there are numerous types, each with their own characteristics. Unfortunately, the same material, tested with different methods, may provide very different ice adhesion values. This makes it difficult to properly characterize a material’s de-icing properties and compare values across the literature. In this review, we identified the main ice adhesion testing methods and compared ice adhesion values for a particular material with different testing methods. We then discussed some of the main issues with current ice testing methods and identified some of the main factors that may affect ice adhesion values, namely ice quality and the use of a mold, which may significantly affect the final ice adhesion results. Finally, we proposed a new, simple standard testing method, in an attempt to eliminate some of the issues with current ice testing methods.

Indicators of soil and snow mass exposed to deicing agents for improving the system of hygienic regulation and pollution control

The potential danger of long-term accumulation of salts and negative impact on the objects of the environment exposed to their influence, dictates the need to prepare the material that will be in demand for the implementation of measures to control the use of deicing materials (DIM). The following parameters were analyzed: electrical conductivity (EC); concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl− ions; heavy metals and semi-metals (HMS) in the soil and snow mass. The total soil contamination indicator (Zc) and the sodium adsorption ratio in the soil solution (SAR) werecalculated, the results were statistically processed. Indicators and their critical values for the soil and snow mass are proposed in order to regulate the use of deicing reagents (DIR) based on easily soluble salts.

Testing the possibility of using desiccators to study the aerosol effect of liquid deicing material

Introduction. In many countries, there is an additional group of pollutants - deicing materials (DIM) in winter. Salt-containing DIM is one of the factors for increasing the content of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air. The purpose was to determine the possibility of using desiccators to study the aerosol effect of liquid deicing material, identify the chemical composition in the air at spreading liquid DIM in various ways, and establish the calculated doses for conducting a toxicological experiment to study the DIM aerosol effect on the organism of warm-blooded animals. Materials and methods. A model experiment was conducted in airtight containers (desiccators) using a liquid DIM that includes NaCl and CaCl2. All chemical compounds were captured in air pumping from the desiccator into a bubbler tank with bidistilled water and then analyzed using ion chromatography. Results. When comparing the obtained results of main DIM components contained in the air inside desiccators with the maximum permissible concentrations, the excess of Cl- was detected both for the highest single concentration of 0.1 mg/m3 and for the average daily concentration of 0.03 mg/m3. When applying DIM at a dose exceeding ten times the recommended norms for liquid the DIM, an excess level of the maximum permissible concentration for chlorine (but not for sodium and calcium) is observed. Conclusion. The method of DIM studying in desiccators is indicative in terms of the choice of concentrations and studying mechanisms of reagent intake for subsequent DIM research conduction using laboratory animals.

Lightweight, few-layer graphene composites with improved electro-thermal properties as efficient heating devices for de-icing applications

Conductive polymer-based composites with electro-thermal properties are gaining great interest in several challenging technological applications. They are more and more employed as integrated heating devices within smart buildings or de-icing materials for application spanning from the aerospace sector to that of civil engineering. Their lightweight character along with high thermal efficiency and moderate production costs, make them highly attractive alternative to the use of classical electrothermal systems based on costly and heavier metals. Here we describe a convenient approach to the preparation of few-layer graphene-based (FLG) polymer composites obtained from the surface coating of selected polymer matrices with an electrically conductive and thin FLG “skin”. We demonstrated that low FLG concentrations at the outmost polymer surface, together with an excellent and homogeneous surface adhesion, allowed to get fast-responsive and lightweight heatable devices while keeping unchanged the properties of the underlying polymers. A controlled low-temperature post-treatment of the composites ensured an extremely high adhesion of FLG sheets to the hosting polymer substrate. The as-prepared composites have shown fast on/off heating response and exceptional performance once employed as lightweight and low-power heating devices with de-icing properties.