Three-Dimensional Graphene Foam–Polymer Composite with Superior Deicing Efficiency and Strength

The adhesion of ice severely compromises the aerodynamic performance of aircrafts operating under critically low-temperature conditions to their surfaces. In this study, highly thermally and electrically conductive graphene foam (GrF) polymer composite is fabricated. GrF–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) deicing composite exhibits superior deicing efficiency of 477% and electrical conductivities of 500 S m–1 with only 0.1 vol % graphene foam addition as compared to other nanocarbon-based deicing systems. The three-dimensional interconnected architecture of GrF allows the effective deicing of surfaces by employing low power densities (0.2 W cm–2). Electrothermal stability of the GrF–PDMS composite was proven after enduring 100 cycles of the dc loading–unloading current. Moreover, multifunctional GrF–PDMS deicing composite provides simultaneous mechanical reinforcement by the effective transfer and absorption of loads resulting in a 23% and 18% increase in elastic modulus and tensile strength, respectively, as compared to pure PDMS. The enhanced efficiency of the GrF–PDMS deicing composite is a novel alternative to current high-power consumption deicing systems.