| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of this study is to develop a structural fiber reinforced composite (FRC) de-icing system based on advanced nanotechnology. To achieve this goal, composite materials used in the wind energy and aviation sectors were reviewed. Carbon, glass and aramid fibers were observed to be the most commonly used materials due to their good mechanical properties. De-icing systems that are used in modern constructions were reviewed. The working principles, advantages and disadvantages of electrothermal, hot-air, pneumatic, electromechanical de-icing systems and hydrophobic coating were analyzed. Samples of fiber-reinforced composites were fabricated with different coatings: composite of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and carbon nanotubes (PEDOT-CNT), Mxene (Ti3C2) and mixed layers of PEDOT-CNT+MXene. These samples were used to determine the electrical conductivity and adhesion properties of the coatings, as well as for FRC bending tests and thermal measurements. Samples coated with MXene nanoparticles had the lowest electrical resistance – 0.717 kΩ, the electrical resistance of samples containing PEDOT-CNT+MXene nanoparticles – 1.017 kΩ, and PEDOT-CNT – 1.130 kΩ. The best adhesion parameters were registered for PEDOT-CNT coated samples, with an adhesion strength of 0.81 MPa. The adhesion strength of MXene coated samples was 0.60 MPa, adhesion strength of PEDOT-CNT+MXene coated samples was 0.47 MPa. During the bending test the maximum change in resistance was measured. The maximum change in resistance was 2.32% for PEDOT-CNT nanocoated samples, 18.06% for MXene and 7.71% for PEDOT-CNT+MXene. A voltage of 70 V and a heating time of 180 s were used for thermal measurements. The highest temperature was reached by samples with PEDOT-CNT nanocoating – 57.6°C, PEDOT-CNT+MXene samples reached 55.4°C, and MXene – 33.1°C. During the research the operating principle of the smart de-icing system and a real demonstrator were developed. A sample with a PEDOT-CNT nanocoating was chosen as the demonstrator. The operating principle of the smart de-icing system is based on the change in the electrical resistance. When the sample resistance was greater than 1.165 kΩ, the system performed a heating cycle because the surface temperature was below 0 °C. When the sample resistance was below 1.165 kΩ, the system performed a resistance measurement cycle and the surface temperature was above 0 °C. The operation of the system required a microcontroller, a relay, high and low voltage power sources, a resistor and a nanocoated composite sample. The smart de-cing system was also tested in icing conditions. At a voltage of 70 V, a 3 mm thick layer of ice slid off the surface in 9 minutes when the sample was held vertically. When the sample was held horizontally, the ice layer changed its phase state from solid to liquid within 22 min. Thus, a FRC de-icing system based on advanced nanotechnology has been developed. The results indicate that the system has detected the ice layer and removed it. The research results of this final project were presented at the international scientific conference "The 82nd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia 2024". |
