Steady and Robust CNTs-Based Electric Heating Membrane Fabricated by Addition of Nanocellulose and Hot-Press Encapsulation

Herein, a type of biomass-based electric heating membrane (EHM) with excellent stability was fabricated; this was achieved by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as a natural dispersant and a biological substrate, as well as via the control of ultrasonic dispersion, grammage, and encapsulation using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with hot pressing. NFC entangles with CNTs in the form of an intertwined network and non-covalent interactions to fabricate a flexible EHM with steady electric heating performance; this formation is attributed to not only their similar morphology and surface-active groups but also the use of NFC that avoids additional disturbances in the overlapped interface among CNTs as far as possible. The obtained steady resistance varies as low as 5.1% under energized operation. In the encapsulated EHM (EM), PDMS was anchored on its surface by using hot pressing and an intertwined structure to enhance flexibility and robustness. The encapsulated membrane can be used in low-voltage applications, which require flexibility, waterproofing, and insulation.

Automated summary

In this study, a biomass-based electric heating membrane (EHM) was successfully fabricated with stable electric heating performance, achieved through the combination of CNTs and NFC, as well as encapsulation using PDMS for reinforcement. The obtained membrane showed a steady resistance variation as low as 5.1% under energized operation, and exhibited flexibility, waterproofing, and insulation properties for use in low-voltage applications.