Graphene based skins on thermally responsive composites for deicing applications

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of forming multi-functional graphene based surfaces capable of thermal heating for de-icing applications. Developmental ink layers are deposited onto composite laminate skin surfaces and used to melt the ice-skin interface by Joule heating while simultaneously developing a thermal strain in the skin structure to develop a shear stress to debond the ice-skin interface. The electrical properties, microstructure, processing parameters, heat transfer and electro-thermal response of the electrically conductive developmental ink layers are examined along with the change in shape of the composite structure with temperature. Initial de-icing tests are demonstrated. Application sectors for the multifunctional skins include exposed instrumentation housings, structural members exposed to extreme environments, such as wind turbines, and transport (aerospace). The opportunity to limit the extent of ice build-up on structures has broad application opportunities to provide light -weight structures with reduced material costs and fuel saving for mobile applications and improved performance for instrumentation.