Multiwalled carbon nanotube/cationic cellulose nanofibril electrothermal films: mechanical, electrical, electrothermal, and cycling performances

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and cationic cellulose nanofibril (CCNF) were used to prepare electrothermal films. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electric heating performance were investigated by experimental testing and numerical analysis. The results showed that the MWCNT were well dispersed in CCNF matrix. Thermal stability of film was improved, and the maximum decomposition rate was reached at 318 degrees C. The electrical conductivity increases rapidly after the MWCNT content exceeds 20 wt%, and the electrical conductivity varied from 5.8 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) and 13.66 S cm(-1) with 10-60 wt% MWCNT, the electrothermal films showed strong nonlinearity between I-V and P-V. For the film with 60 wt% MWCNT, the maximum electric power was 3.57 W. The maximum temperature was 93.4 degrees C and the temperature increased by 279.7% compared with 20% MWCNT content at an applied voltage of 12 V. The average characteristic growth time constant and heat transferred by radiation and convection were 37.24 s and 35.17 mW degrees C-1, respectively. Therefore, the electrothermal films have a shorter heating parameter and lower electric power consumption as well as excellent thermal cycling stability.

Automated summary

The use of MWCNT and CCNF in preparing electrothermal films improved thermal stability and electrical conductivity. The films exhibited strong nonlinearity and lower power consumption with excellent thermal cycling stability at different MWCNT contents.