Patterned Design of the Electric Heating Element Achieves Efficient Joule Heating

Electric heating technology is critical for aerospace de-icing systems due to its efficiency and controllability. However, traditional electric heating elements such as resistance wires and metal coatings have low thermal conductivity, poor high-temperature resistance, and insufficient structural flexibility, which severely limit their application in composites. This study introduces carbon nanotube (CNT)/nanocellulose fiber (CNF) composite films as a solution. CNTs, with exceptional conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, enhance heating efficiency. Through the patterned design, the electric heating efficiency is further optimized, and the heat distribution during the heating process is made more uniform. Experimental results show that when the mass ratio of CNTs to CNFs is 10:1, the thermal conductivity of the composite material reaches 2.68 W/(m·K), and it exhibits a significant Joule heating effect. When the power density is 0.4 W cm⁻¹², the CNTs/CNFs (10:1) film can rapidly reach 140.6 °C after 10 s of heating. Additionally, the use of fiber-reinforced composites improves the thermal conductivity and durability of the system, allowing the electric heating system to operate stably under high-frequency thermal cycles, significantly enhancing its reliability and service life. This high heating capability allows rapid local temperature elevation, reducing energy consumption and boosting de-icing efficiency.