Roll to roll coating of carbon nanotube films for electro thermal heating

• Published in: Cold regions science and technology Vol. 182; p. 103210
• Main Authors: Rashid, Taimur, Liang, Hsin-Ling, Taimur, Madiha, Chiodarelli, Nicolò, Khawaja, Hassan Abbas, Edvardsen, Kåre, de Volder, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Technology: 500; Teknologi: 500; VDP
• ISSN: 0165-232X; 1872-7441; 1872-7441
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2020.103210

Carbon nanotube (CNT) films are gaining traction in applications such as transparent conductive films, electro-magnetic shields and thin film heaters. However, to date, few cost-effective large-area CNT coating methods have been reported. Here, we present a roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating process for thin film CNT heaters. In this process, a CNT suspension is continuously coated on a PET film substrate and subsequently dried and packaged. This process allows for continuous square-meter-size CNT coating. The electrical resistance and thermal map of these samples are measured by high definition infrared (IR) thermography. Anti-/de-icing demonstrations of R2R CNT coated samples are performed inside a cold room and outdoor atmospheric icing conditions. The successful R2R coating of CNTs and anti-/de-icing demonstrations show promise for application of CNTs in large area applications, such as the de-icing of ships, for which strict regulations are put in place for vessels operating in polar waters. •A roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating process for thin film Carbon nanotube (CNT) heaters is presented. A CNT suspension is continuously coated on a PET film substrate and subsequently dried and packaged.•This process allows for continuous square-meter-size CNT coating. The electrical resistance and thermal map of these samples are measured by high definition infrared (IR) thermography.•Anti−/de-icing demonstrations of R2R CNT coated samples are performed inside a cold room and outdoor atmospheric icing conditions.•The successful R2R coating of CNTs and anti−/de-icing demonstrations show promise for application of CNTs in large area anti-/de-icing applications.