coatings

Article
Effect of Graphene Coating on the Heat Transfer
Performance of a Composite Anti-/Deicing
Component
Long Chen ID
, Yidu Zhang and Qiong Wu *
State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation,
Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; dragonchen@buaa.edu.cn (L.C.); ydzhang@buaa.edu.cn (Y.Z.)
* Correspondence: wuqiong@buaa.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-10-8231-7756

Received: 15 August 2017; Accepted: 25 September 2017; Published: 28 September 2017

Abstract: The thermal conductivity of a graphene coating for anti-/deicing is rarely studied.
This paper presents an improved anti-/deicing efficiency method for composite material anti-/deicing
by using the heat-transfer characteristic of a graphene coating. An anti-/deicing experiment
was conducted using the centrifugal force generated by a helicopter rotor. Results showed that
the graphene coating can accelerate the internal heat transfer of the composite material, thereby
improving the anti-icing and deicing efficiency of the helicopter rotor. The spraying process
parameters, such as coating thickness and spraying pressure, were also studied. Results showed that
reducing coating thickness and increasing spraying pressure are beneficial in preparing a graphene
coating with high thermal conductivity. This study provides an experimental reference for the
application of a graphene coating in anti-/deicing.

Keywords: graphene coating; anti-/deicing; thermal conductivity; composite material

1. Introduction
When a helicopter is flying at high altitude or in a cold zone, super-cooled water droplets in the
air will impact on the surface of the rotor, icing rapidly. As the rotor is the main device providing
lift for the helicopter, icing on the surface will undermine its aerodynamic shape, severely reducing
its aerodynamic characteristics and threatening helicopter flight safety [13]. Existing ice control
technology for helicopters is classified in terms of active anti-/deicing and passive anti-/deicing.
Surface coatings with anti-/deicing properties are being explored as passive methods to prevent water
droplets from icing on the anti-icing surface or to reduce the adhesion force between the ice and deicing
surface. A series of materials, such as carbon-based material [46], liquid-infused material [79],
and nanocomposites [1012], exhibit anti-icing functions. Most of these materials are suitable for
anti-icing in a limited number of icing conditions, while the effect is not ideal under moderate icing
conditions. Active anti-/deicing technology relies mainly upon on-board energy [1316] or mechanical
energy [1719]. This kind of anti-/deicing technology displays high deicing efficiency, but the energy
consumption is high as well. Therefore, existing technology cannot satisfy the requirements of
anti-/deicing completely and effectively, and a synthesis that combines surface coating with passive
deicing should be developed to achieve the dual effect of anti-icing and deicing.
As a hexagonal carbon reticular linkage material, graphene displays excellent electrical [20,21]
and thermal conductivities [22,23]. Research on graphene applications has been conducted by many
scholars. In terms of the conductive properties of graphene, Hong et al. [24] and Choi et al. [25]
fabricated a graphene film with low surface resistance and high optical transmittance. The film is
superior to the traditional transparent heater based on tin cobalt oxide and is widely used in automobile
and deicing defogging systems. In terms of energy storage devices, self-assembled graphene/carbon

Coatings 2017, 7, 158; doi:10.3390/coatings7100158 www.mdpi.com/journal/coatings

Coatings 2017, 7, 158 2 of 11

nanotube hybridfilms for supercapacitors were fabricated by Dai et al. [26] and Ruoff et al. [27].
These films exhibit outstanding high-scanning speed and capacitance and are used in the manufacture
of batteries and micro-computers. In addition, graphene is used as conductive ink for application
in the printing field. Magdasi et al. [28] improved the inkjet printing of ink formulation by adding
graphene sheet and metal nanoparticles to printing ink suitable for the printing of electronic products.
Moreover, Hersam et al. [29] performed fast post-processing of printed electronics by intense pulsed
light annealing graphene on different substrates, which perfroms well in printing and electronic
products. Graphene is also widely used in other applications. Lu et al. [30] developed a new type of
graphene-coated nickel electrode. Studies have shown that graphene coating has a significant effect on
electrode corrosion resistance. In the research of Wan [31], an ultrafast atmospheric-pressure plasma jet
(APPJ) processed Pt-decorated reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) that were used as counter-electrodes
in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The reduced graphene oxides improve the efficiency of the
dye-sensitized cells.
However, the application of graphene in the anti-/deicing field is rarely studied. Currently,
graphene is used in the field of anti-icing and deicing by utilizing its high conductivity property.
Graphene conducts electricity, and by applying a voltage at the poles of the graphene coating, the
current causes Joule heat to melt the ice. Thus, the electrical energy is converted into Joule heat to
remove ice from a static helicopter rotor blade [32,33]. Subsequently, a graphene coating with anti-icing
and deicing ability was developed by applying the lubricant [34].
The heat-transfer analysis of engineering applications using numerical methods have been
proposed by many scholars. Ellahi et al. [35] created a model to discuss diverse issues related to
heat transfer. Rashidi et al. [36] proposed a two-way coupling of a discrete phase model in order to
track the discrete nature of aluminum oxide particles in an obstructed duct with two side-by-side
obstacles. Shirvan et al. [37] carried out a 2-D numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis on
turbulent heat transfer and heat exchanger effectiveness enhancement, and a numerical study that
investigated natural convection along with surface radiation heat transfer in an inclined porous solar
cavity [38,39]. Bhatti et al. [40] investigated the electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow with heat
transfer on third-grade fluid containing small particles. These references provide numerical methods
for studying heat transfer. However, due to the complexity of the cross-scale heat transfer of micro
materials, there is little literature on the analysis of the thermal conductivity of graphene materials
using numerical methods.
Based on the existing research results, this paper presents a method that takes advantage of the
heat-transfer characteristics of graphene to combine it with the traditional electric heating method
for helicopter rotor anti-/deicing. A method combining a graphene coating with the anti-/deicing
component is proposed to enhance the anti-/deicing efficiency of the rotor. A deicing experiment with
graphene coating was conducted in an environment at 15 C. Results showed that the deicing effect
is improved with a graphene coating.

2. Experimental Procedure

2.1. Materials
Liquid graphene was purchased from Jiangsu Tanfeng Graphene Technology Co. Ltd. (Suzhou,
China), and was used without any further treatment. Liquid graphene is a kind of nanomaterial
that distributes surface heat in the form of radiation and enhances heat conduction. This material
also shows tolerance at a high temperature range of 20180 C. The emissivity of the coating to the
atmosphere or the inner space of the object is approximately > 0.92, which can accelerate heat
conduction and improve the heat exchange rate.
Coatings 2017, 7, 158 3 of 11

2.2. Characterization
Coatings 2017, 7, 158
The sample structures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, FEI Quanta
2.2. Characterization
250 FEG, FEI, Hillsboro, OR, USA) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM, FEI, Hillsboro,
OR, USA). Prior
The to SEM
sample analysis,
structures a thin Au layer
were investigated was deposited
by scanning on the specimens
electron microscopy by sputtering.
(SEM, FEI Quanta 250
The morphologies and sizes
FEG, FEI, Hillsboro, OR,of graphene
USA) were observed
and transmission by an
electron SEM operated
micrographs at FEI,
(TEM, an acceleration voltage
Hillsboro, OR,
of 10 USA).
kV and standard
Prior to SEMcurrent.
analysis,The magnification
a thin Au layer waswasdeposited
5000. TheonTEM image wasbyprovided
the specimens by the
sputtering.
TheTanfeng
Jiangsu morphologies
Grapheneand Technology
sizes of graphene were observed by an SEM operated at an acceleration
Co. Ltd.
voltage of 10 kV and standard current. The magnification was 5000. The TEM image was provided
2.3. Preparation of Graphene
by the Jiangsu Coating Samples
Tanfeng Graphene Technology Co. Ltd.

The graphene of
2.3. Preparation coating samples
Graphene Coatingwere prepared using trial spraying. The thickness of the graphene
Samples
coating, the pressure of the spray pump, and the caliber of the spray gun were adjusted in the trial
The graphene coating samples were prepared using trial spraying. The thickness of the graphene
spraying. After determining the thickness of the coating, a stainless steel surface (100 mm 100 mm)
coating, the pressure of the spray pump, and the caliber of the spray gun were adjusted in the trial
was sprayed. The graphene coating was stirred for 3 min at ambient temperature before the substrate
spraying. After determining the thickness of the coating, a stainless steel surface (100 mm 100 mm)
was painted.
was sprayed.During the spraying
The graphene coating process,
was stirredthe
for distance between
3 min at ambient the nozzle
temperature and
before thethe surface of
substrate
the sample
was painted. During the spraying process, the distance between the nozzle and the surface of thetwice.
was maintained, and the spraying pressure was controlled to avoid spraying
The graphene coating samples were C for 1 h for curing. In order to study the
sample was maintained, and the heated in pressure
spraying an oven at was80controlled to avoid spraying twice. The
graphenebetween
relationship coating samples
spraying were heated and
pressure in anthe
oven at 80
heat C for of
transfer 1 hthe
forgraphene
curing. In order to study
coating, the
the spraying
relationship
pressure between
was varied at 20,spraying pressure
40, 60 and and the heat transfer of the graphene coating, the spraying
80 psi.
pressure was varied at 20, 40, 60 and 80 psi.
2.4. Preparation of Anti-/Deicing Component
2.4. Preparation of Anti-/Deicing Component
The anti-/deicing component was fabricated by using carbon and glass fibers (Figure 1).
The anti-/deicing component was fabricated by using carbon and glass fibers (Figure 1).
The insulation layer was made by utilizing six layers of 3 K prepreg epoxy resin carbon fiber. The heat
The insulation layer was made by utilizing six layers of 3 K prepreg epoxy resin carbon fiber. The
transfer layer of the anti-/deicing component was made of three layers prepreg epoxy resin. Each layer
heat transfer layer of the anti-/deicing component was made of three layers prepreg epoxy resin. Each
of material
layer ofwas cemented
material with adhesive.
was cemented Electric heating
with adhesive. wires were
Electric heating wiresarranged between
were arranged the insulation
between the
heat layer and heat
insulation the heat
layertransfer
and the layer to be cemented
heat transfer layer to beand fixed. Eventually,
cemented the wholethe
and fixed. Eventually, anti-/deicing
whole
component was heated
anti-/deicing in a was
component heating box
heated inat 125 C box
a heating for at
1 h125
forCcuring.
for 1 h for curing.

(a)

(b)

Figure 1. (a) Schematic of anti-/deicing component without graphene coating; (b) Photograph of
Figure 1. (a) Schematic of anti-/deicing component without graphene coating; (b) Photograph of
uncoated sample and coated sample.
uncoated sample and coated sample.
Coatings 2017, 7, 158 4 of 11
Coatings 2017, 7, 158

and Deicing
2.5. Anti-/Deicing Component Heating and Deicing Experiments
Experiments
anti-/deicing component
The anti-/deicing component was was heated
heated by applying a DC power device (Figure (Figure 2).
2). A constant
constant
was applied
voltage was applied across
across electrodes
electrodes onon the two
two ends of of the
the heating
heating wire
wire inin the
the experiment,
experiment, and
and the
power waswas maintained. The deicing experiment was carried out in the refrigeration refrigeration box, where the
temperature waswas stabilized
stabilizedatat1515Cby thethe
C by automatic
automaticconstant temperature
constant temperature refrigeration system.
refrigeration The
system.
icingicing
The thickness waswas
thickness 15 15
mm mm according
according totomedium
mediumicingicingconditions.
conditions. The
The setting experimental
setting of experimental
conditions was
conditions was determined
determinedaccording
accordingtotothe
thegeneral
generaltrial
trial standard,
standard, and
and thethe
iceice thickness
thickness was was chosen
chosen as
as the
the average
average value
value of of
thethe medium
medium icing
icing thicknessrange.
thickness range.Super-cooled
Super-cooledwater
waterwas was dropped
dropped onto
onto the
the
of the test
surfaces of test sample
sample to to form
form aa predetermined
predetermined icing
icing thickness.
thickness.

2. Photograph of deicing
Figure 2. deicing experiment
experiment device.
device.

In order
In order to
to achieve
achieve an
an equivalent
equivalent centrifugal
centrifugal force
force generated
generated by
by high-speed
high-speed rotation
rotation of
of the
the rotor,
rotor,
aa tensionmeter
tensionmeter waswas used
used to
toprovide
provideaatension
tensionequal
equaltotothe
thecentrifugal
centrifugalforce.
force.The measuring
The measuring range
rangeof
the tensionmeter was 0500 N, and the accuracy was 0.5 N. The tension F was calculated
of the tensionmeter was 0500 N, and the accuracy was 0.5 N. The tension F was calculated by the by the
following equation:
following equation:
2v2
= F
= ice
mice (1)
(1)
r
where m
where mice is the
ice is the mass
massofofthe icing,vvisisthe
theicing, therotating
rotatinglinear
linearvelocity
velocityofofthe
the icing,
icing, r isr is
and
and thethe radius
radius of
of gyration.
gyration.
In
In the
the experiments,
experiments,the theeffect
effectofofrefrigeration
refrigerationtemperature
temperaturefluctuations
fluctuations with
withmeasurement
measurement error of
error
the thermocouple sensor was likely to cause errors in the data. By averaging the measured
of the thermocouple sensor was likely to cause errors in the data. By averaging the measured value value of the
experimental
of the experimentalresults,results,
the error
thewas effectively
error reduced.
was effectively reduced.

3. Results and Discussion

3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Graphene Coating Characterizations
3.1. Graphene Coating Characterizations
Figure 3 shows the general TEM and SEM overviews of the graphene coating. Figure 3a illustrates
Figure 3 shows the general TEM and SEM overviews of the graphene coating. Figure 3a
that the graphene possesses a thin translucent sheet structure distribution. In the SEM image,
illustrates that the graphene possesses a thin translucent sheet structure distribution. In the SEM
the graphene exhibits a continuous two-dimensional lamellar structure with wavy folds. From the
image, the graphene exhibits a continuous two-dimensional lamellar structure with wavy folds.
SEM images, we can see that the graphene forms an uneven surface with folds of a certain thickness,
From the SEM images, we can see that the graphene forms an uneven surface with folds of a certain
and there are obvious wrinkles. With the increase in the graphene layer, the degree of folding
thickness, and there are obvious wrinkles. With the increase in the graphene layer, the degree of
becomes smaller. In the image, the color is deeper with thicker graphene layers, and shallow when the
folding becomes smaller. In the image, the color is deeper with thicker graphene layers, and shallow
when the graphene layer is relatively thin. In addition, the graphene is stable in air at room
Coatings 2017, 7, 158 5 of 11
Coatings 2017, 7, 158

graphene layer
temperature, andisoxidative
relatively thin. In addition,
decomposition the graphene
only commences is stable
above inaccording
400 C air at room temperature, and
to thermogravimetric
oxidative decomposition only commences above 400 C according to thermogravimetric analysis [33].
analysis [33]. The materials structural and chemical stability make graphene suitable for deicing
The materials
Coatings 2017,structural
applications. 7, 158 and chemical stability make graphene suitable for deicing applications.

temperature, and oxidative decomposition only commences above 400 C according to thermogravimetric
analysis [33]. The materials structural and chemical stability make graphene suitable for deicing
applications.

Figure 3.
Figure 3. (a)
(a) Transmission
Transmission electron
electron microscopy
microscopy (TEM),
(TEM), and
and (b)
(b) scanning
scanning electron
electron microscopy
microscopy (SEM)
(SEM)
images of the graphene coating.
images of the graphene coating.
Figure 3. (a) Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and (b) scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
3.2. Anti-Icing
imagesProperty
of the graphene coating.
3.2. Anti-Icing Property
To verify
3.2. Anti-Icingthe anti-icing effect of the graphene coating, the surface temperature of the test sample
To verify the Property
anti-icing effect of the graphene coating, the surface temperature of the test sample
with the graphene coating at 15 C was measured using an infrared thermometer with a spot size of
with the graphene
To verify the coating
anti-icing 15 C
at effect ofwas measured
the graphene usingthe
coating, ansurface
infrared thermometer
temperature of thewith a spot size
test sample
~0.5 cm. In the experiment, the measuring range of the thermometer was between 50 C and380 C,
of ~0.5
withcm. theIn the experiment,
graphene coating at 15 theC measuring
was measuredrange of the
using thermometer
an infrared thermometer with a spotsize
was between 50 ofC and
and the cm. accuracy was 0.5 C.theThe reported accuracy for the thermocouple alsoCtakes account of
380 ~0.5
C, and the In the
accuracy was 0.5 measuring
experiment, range ofaccuracy
C. The reported the thermometer was between 50
for the thermocouple and 380
also takes C, of
account
uncertainty
and the due due to the data
accuracy acquisition software. In Figure 3, thermocouple
the tests werealso conducted under stable
uncertainty to thewas data0.5acquisition
C. The reported accuracy
software. for the
In Figure 3, the tests were conducted takes account
underofstable
cooling. There
uncertainty are limitations
duelimitations
to the datato to the experimental
acquisition software. Inconditions,
Figure 3, thebecause super-cooled
tests were water
conductedwater droplets
under droplets
stable inin
cooling. There are the experimental conditions, because super-cooled
actual situations do not form easily. Therefore, the anti-icing requirements
cooling. There are limitations to the experimental conditions, because super-cooled water droplets in for a helicopter rotor in
actual situations do not form easily. Therefore, the anti-icing requirements for a helicopter rotor in
reference
actual[41] were adopted
situations do not formin the experiment.
easily. Therefore,Thetherotor will not
anti-icing freeze when
requirements for the surface temperature
a helicopter rotor in
reference [41] were adopted in the experiment. The rotor will not freeze when the surface temperature
reference
exceeds 2 C. [41] were adopted in the experiment. The rotor will not freeze when the surface temperature
exceeds 2 C. C.
exceeds
In the 2experiment, the selected electric voltages were 10.9, 11.5, and 12.9 V. The surface
In theInexperiment, the selected electric voltages were 10.9,
were 11.5,
10.9,and 12.9 V. 12.9
The surface
The temperature
temperaturethe experiment,
of the anti-/deicingthe selected
component electric
wasvoltages
measured every 5011.5, and
s. The heatingV.profile surface
of the anti-
of thetemperature
anti-/deicing of thecomponent
anti-/deicingwas measured
component was every
measured50 s.every
The50heating profileprofile
s. The heating of theofanti-/deicing
the anti-
/deicing component under different heating conditions is shown in Figure 4. Comparison of the
component
/deicingundercomponentdifferent
under heating conditions
different is shown in
heating conditions is Figure
shown in 4. Comparison of the temperature
Figure 4. Comparison of the
temperature
temperature
curvescurves
showed that the surface temperature ofthetheuncoated
uncoated anti-/deicing component
curves showed that the showed that the surface
surface temperature of temperature
the uncoated ofanti-/deicing anti-/deicing
component was component
lower than
was lower
wasthe thanthan
lower thatthatof the graphene-coated
of the graphene-coated samples indifferent
samplesheating
in differentheating
heating conditions. With the increase
that of graphene-coated samples in different conditions.conditions.
With theWith the increase
increase in heating
in heating
in heatingvoltage, the surface
voltage,temperature temperature
the surface temperature of the anti-/deicing
of the anti-/deicing component
component also increased.
also increased. Under Under the
thethree
voltage, the surface of the anti-/deicing component also increased. Under the
threethree
experimental
experimental conditions,
conditions, thethetemperatures increasedby
temperatures increased by1.71.7C,C,
2.22.2
C C
andand 2.8 respectively.
2.8 C, C, respectively.
experimental conditions, the temperatures increased by 1.7 C, 2.2 C and 2.8 C, respectively.

(a) (b)

(a) Figure 4. Cont. (b)

Figure 4. Cont.
Figure 4. Cont.
Coatings 2017, 7, 158 6 of 11
Coatings 2017, 7, 158

(c)

Figure
Figure 4. Temperature
4. Temperature profile
profile of the
of the anti-/deicingcomponent
anti-/deicing component at atdifferent
differentapplied
appliedvoltages. (a) applied
voltages. (a) Applied
voltage: 10.9 V, 0.43 A; (b) applied voltage: 11.5 V, 0.46 A ; (c) applied voltage: 12.9 V, 0.51 A.
voltage: 10.9 V, 0.43 A; (b) applied voltage: 11.5 V, 0.46 A ; (c) applied voltage: 12.9 V, 0.51 A.
Under the first heating condition, the surface temperature of the uncoated test sample did not
Under the firstpoint,
reach freezing heating
and condition,
the coating the
test surface temperature
sample reached of the
more than uncoated
0 C. Under the testsecond
sample setdid
of not
reachheating
freezing conditions,
point, and the the
uncoated testtest
coating sample surface
sample temperature
reached more was 0 than
thanless 2 C, but
C. Under thethe surfaceset of
second
temperature
heating conditions,of the
thecoated
uncoatedtest sample satisfied
test sample the anti-/deicing
surface temperature requirements.
was less than C, but
This2 result indicated
the surface
temperature of the coated test sample satisfied the anti-/deicing requirements. This resultinindicated
that the anti-/deicing component with a graphene coating possesses anti-/deicing capability this
heating condition. In the third set, the surface temperature of uncoated and coated test samples both
that the anti-/deicing component with a graphene coating possesses anti-/deicing capability in this
reached 2 C, and the heating condition may result in the loss of on-board energy. Furthermore,
heating condition. In the third set, the surface temperature of uncoated and coated test samples both
analysis of the temperature curves evidently showed that the temperature of coated test samples was
reached 2 C, and the heating condition may result in the loss of on-board energy. Furthermore,
higher than that of uncoated test samples. With the increase in heating voltage, the surface
analysis of the temperature
temperature curves evidently
difference between coated and showed
uncoatedthatsamples
the temperature of coated
also increased. The test samples was
experimental
higherresults
than that of uncoated
indicated test samples.
that the thermal With the
conductivity increase
of the in heating
graphene coatingvoltage, the surface
is good, and temperature
the anti-/deicing
difference between
performance is coated
ideal atand uncoated
a high samplesThe
temperature. alsographene
increased. The experimental
coating enhances the results indicated
heat transfer
capability of the iron surface, which transfers more heat to the surface of
that the thermal conductivity of the graphene coating is good, and the anti-/deicing performancethe rotor under the same
heating conditions. The results indicate that the graphene coating is helpful
is ideal at a high temperature. The graphene coating enhances the heat transfer capability of the in anti-/deicing.
iron surface, which transfers more heat to the surface of the rotor under the same heating conditions.
3.3. Deicing Property
The results indicate that the graphene coating is helpful in anti-/deicing.
The deicing experiment of the graphene coating is described in detail in Section 2.4. The heating
3.3. Deicing
currentsProperty
adopted in the deicing experiment were 0.77, 1.03, and 1.18 A, and the corresponding heating
voltages were 20.2, 24.9, and 29.9 V, respectively. The experimental tests were conducted with coated
The deicing experiment of the graphene coating is described in detail in Section 2.4. The heating
and uncoated samples. The centrifugal force calculation method is introduced in Section 2.4.
currents adoptedtoinEquation
According the deicing
(1), experiment were 0.77,
a 64 N centrifugal force1.03,
wasand 1.18 A,
exerted andthe
upon thesurface
corresponding heating
icing of the
voltages were 20.2, 24.9, and 29.9 V, respectively. The experimental tests were conducted
anti-/deicing component. The experiments were carried out in an environment at 15 C. The deicing with coated
and uncoated samples. The centrifugal force calculation method
time was recorded by using a stopwatch, and data are shown in Figure 5. is introduced in Section 2.4. According
to Equation The(1),
deicing
a 64time of coated and
N centrifugal uncoated
force test samples
was exerted uponwasthe
compared.
surface Results
icing ofshowed that the
the anti-/deicing
deicing time
component. The of coated test sample
experiments were was significantly
carried out in an shorter than that of
environment 15 C. test
atuncoated Thesamples,
deicingwhich
time was
indicated that graphene coating can significantly
recorded by using a stopwatch, and data are shown in Figure 5. improve the deicing efficiency of the anti-/deicing
component. The deicing time decreased by 41.64%, 57.42%, and 71.74%, respectively. Shorter deicing
The deicing time of coated and uncoated test samples was compared. Results showed that the
times considerably reduced the energy consumption of the helicopter.
deicing time of coated test sample was significantly shorter than that of uncoated test samples, which
Analysis demonstrated that with the increase in heating voltage and current, the deicing time of
indicated that graphene coating can significantly improve the deicing efficiency of the anti-/deicing
the coated test and uncoated test samples was reduced; this observation implied that the deicing
component. The
efficiency of deicing time decreased
the anti-/deicing component by was
41.64%, 57.42%,
improved. In and 71.74%,
Section respectively.
3.1, the Shorter deicing
surface temperatures of
timesthe
considerably reduced the energy consumption of the helicopter.
coated and uncoated test samples increased with the increasing heating power. The surface
Analysis
temperaturedemonstrated
increase of thethat with
coated the
test increase
sample was in heating
higher thanvoltage and current,
that of uncoated the deicing
test sample, which time
of theindirectly explained
coated test the reliability
and uncoated of the experimental
test samples was reduced; results in Figure
this 5.
observation implied that the deicing
efficiency of the anti-/deicing component was improved. In Section 3.1, the surface temperatures
of the coated and uncoated test samples increased with the increasing heating power. The surface
temperature increase of the coated test sample was higher than that of uncoated test sample, which
indirectly explained the reliability of the experimental results in Figure 5.
Coatings2017,
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158 7 of 11
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Figure 5. Deicing time under different heating conditions.

Figure5.5. Deicing
Figure Deicing time
time under
under different
differentheating
heatingconditions.
conditions.
According to the energy conservation equation, the equal thickness icing needs equal energy for
According to the energy conservation equation,2the equal thickness icing needs equal energy for
deicing in the same
According to thetemperature environment
energy conservation ( = the
equation, 2 ).equal
Nevertheless,
thicknessexcluding
icing needs theequal
influence
energy of for
the
deicing in the same temperature environment ( = U2 ). Nevertheless, excluding the influence of the
equivalent
deicing centrifugal
in the force, theenvironment
same temperature deicing time(Q t and
= Rthe t). heating voltage
Nevertheless, U do notthe
excluding satisfy the energy
influence of the
equivalent
conservation centrifugal
equation. force, the
Excluding deicing
the time
factor oft and the
experimentalheating voltage
error,
equivalent centrifugal force, the deicing time t and the heating voltage U do not satisfy the energy the U do
resultsnotcan satisfy
be the
explained energyas
conservation
follows: The adhesion
conservation equation.
equation.force Excluding
between
Excluding the
thethefactor of
icingofand
factor experimental
anti-/deicing
experimental error, the
component
error, results can
decreased
the results be
can be in explained
the heating
explained as
as
follows:
condition,
follows: The
Thebut adhesion
formedforce
adhesion force
no waterbetween
between the
film.theThe icing and
centrifugal
icing anti-/deicing
force exerted
and anti-/deicing component decreased
on the icing
component increases
decreased in the
in thethe heating
shear
heating
condition,
force between
condition, but formed
but formed no
the contact
no waterwater film.
surfaces
film. The The centrifugal
ofcentrifugal
the anti-/deicing force
force exerted exerted
and on icingon the icing
components,
the icing increases
increases which
the shearthe shear
thereby
force
force
between between
accelerated the the
contactthe contact
shedding
surfacesof ofsurfaces
ice.the of
Therefore, the
anti-/deicing anti-/deicing
with and
the action and icing
of centrifugal
icing components, components,
force,
which which
the graphene
thereby acceleratedthereby
coating
the
accelerated
can accelerate
shedding theice
of ice. shedding
shedding
Therefore, of ice.the
from
with Therefore,
theaction ofwith
anti-/deicing the action
component,
centrifugal of centrifugal
force, shorten
the theforce,
graphene thetime,
deicing
coating graphene
can coating
and improve
accelerate ice
can accelerate
deicing efficiency.
shedding ice shedding from the anti-/deicing component, shorten the
from the anti-/deicing component, shorten the deicing time, and improve deicing efficiency. deicing time, and improve
deicing efficiency.
3.4.
3.4. Spraying
Spraying Process
Process
3.4. Spraying Process
The
The spraying
spraying processprocess influences
influences the the anti-/deicing
anti-/deicing efficiency of graphene coating noticeably.
GivenThe
Given thespraying
the single-layer
single-layer process influencesand
nanostructure
nanostructure thethe
and anti-/deicing
the anisotropicefficiency
anisotropic heat-transfer
heat-transferof graphene coating
characteristics
characteristics of noticeably.
of graphene,
graphene,
Given
the the
spraying single-layer
process of nanostructure
graphene shouldand the
be anisotropic
further studied. heat-transfer
the spraying process of graphene should be further studied. In this paper, the influence ofIn this characteristics
paper, the influence of graphene,
of coating
coating
the spraying
thickness
thickness and process
andspraying of graphene
spraying pressure
pressureare should
arestudied.
studied. be further studied. In this paper, the influence of coating
thickness
Test and
Testsamples
samplesspraying
with
with pressure
different
different are
coatingstudied.
thicknesses
coating thicknessesof graphene
of graphenewere prepared. The effects
were prepared. The ofeffects
coating of
Test
thickness samples
on the heat with different
transfer and coating
anti-/deicing thicknesses
performance of graphene
of graphene
coating thickness on the heat transfer and anti-/deicing performance of graphene were analyzed by were
were prepared.
analyzed The
by effects
measuring of
coating
the thickness
thickness
measuring the and on the
surfaceand
thickness heat transfer
temperature and anti-/deicing
in the same in
surface temperature performance
refrigeration of
environment
the same refrigeration graphene were
and heatingand
environment analyzed
conditions
heating by
measuring
as the the
anti-/deicing thickness and
components. surface
The temperature
thickness of in the
graphene same
was refrigeration
conditions as the anti-/deicing components. The thickness of graphene was measured using the measured environment
using the SEM and
image,heating
and
SEM
conditions
the temperature
image, as the
and the was anti-/deicing
measuredwas
temperature components.
withmeasured The
a thermocouple. thickness
with a The of graphene
changes in heat
thermocouple. was measured
The transfer using
changescharacteristics the
in heat transfer SEMof
image,
the grapheneand the
characteristics of temperature
coating were analyzed
the graphene was
coatingmeasured
bywere
recording with
theasurface
analyzed bythermocouple. the The
temperature
recording changes
variation
surface in heatas
curve,
temperature transfer
shown
variation
characteristics
in Figure
curve, as 6.shown ofinthe graphene
Figure 6. coating were analyzed by recording the surface temperature variation
curve, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. (a)6.SEM
Figure image
(a) SEM and (b)
image andtemperature profile
(b) temperature of the
profile graphene
of the coating
graphene with
coating different
with thicknesses.
different thicknesses.
Figure 6. (a) SEM image and (b) temperature profile of the graphene coating with different thicknesses.
Coatings 2017, 7, 158 8 of 11
Coatings 2017, 7, 158

Figure
Figure 66 illustrates
illustrates that
that with
with increased
increased coating
coating thickness,
thickness, the
the heat-transfer
heat-transfer performance
performance of of
graphene
graphene decreased. Under the same heating conditions as the anti-/deicing component, the
decreased. Under the same heating conditions as the anti-/deicing component, the surface
surface
temperature
temperature of
of graphene
graphene coatings
coatings decreased,
decreased, which
which indicated
indicated that
that the
the ability
ability of
of the
the graphene
graphene coating
coating
to
to prevent anti-icing and deicing was reduced. The experimental results can be explained by
prevent anti-icing and deicing was reduced. The experimental results can be explained by the
the
following empirical formula of graphene thermal conductivity given by Berger [42] and
following empirical formula of graphene thermal conductivity given by Berger [42] and Guo [43]: Guo [43]:
gX
LP
= = g P
(2)(2)
2 f f
2hd
where h is the thickness of single-layer graphene, Xg is the temperature coefficient, L denotes the
where h is the thickness of single-layer graphene, Xg is the temperature coefficient, L denotes the
distance between the middle part of the single-layer graphene and the film, d is the width of the
distance between the middle part of the single-layer graphene and the film, d is the width of the
single-layer graphene, f is the change in G peak displacement, and P is the change in thermal power.
single-layer graphene, f is the change in G peak displacement, and P is the change in thermal power.
According to the empirical formula, the increase in graphene coating thickness results in decreased
According to the empirical formula, the increase in graphene coating thickness results in decreased
thermal conductivity, which indicates that the anti-/deicing ability of the graphene coating decreased.
thermal conductivity, which indicates that the anti-/deicing ability of the graphene coating decreased.
The heat-conduction mechanism shows that with the increase in graphene coating thickness, the
The heat-conduction mechanism shows that with the increase in graphene coating thickness, the
arrangement of graphene atoms is more cluttered, which increases the resistance to thermal phonon
arrangement of graphene atoms is more cluttered, which increases the resistance to thermal phonon
propagation. Thus, the decrease in phonon propagation speed greatly affected the thermal conductivity
propagation. Thus, the decrease in phonon propagation speed greatly affected the thermal conductivity
of the graphene.
of the graphene.
The effect of spraying pressure on the thermal conductivity of the graphene coating during the
The effect of spraying pressure on the thermal conductivity of the graphene coating during
spray process was studied. Under the same experimental conditions, the graphene coating test
the spray process was studied. Under the same experimental conditions, the graphene coating
samples were prepared using different spraying pressures. The surface temperature profiles of
test samples were prepared using different spraying pressures. The surface temperature profiles of
graphene coating with time were measured, and are shown in Figure 7. The influence of the spraying
graphene coating with time were measured, and are shown in Figure 7. The influence of the spraying
pressure of graphene on the heat-transfer performance was also analyzed.
pressure of graphene on the heat-transfer performance was also analyzed.

Figure 7.
Figure Temperature profile
7. Temperature profile of
of graphene
graphene coating
coating using
using different
different spaying
spaying pressures.
pressures.

Figure 77illustrates
Figure illustrates
thatthat
the the thermal
thermal conductivity
conductivity of the of the graphene
graphene coating
coating was was improved
gradually gradually
improved with increased spraying pressure. Under the same heating conditions as the
with increased spraying pressure. Under the same heating conditions as the anti-/deicing component, anti-/deicing
component,
the the surface of
surface temperature temperature
the grapheneof the graphene
coating coating
prepared usingprepared using high
high spraying spraying
pressure pressure
was evidently
was evidently
higher than that higher thanusing
prepared that prepared usingpressure.
low spraying low spraying pressure.
Therefore, Therefore,
spraying spraying
pressure pressure
influenced the
influenced the graphene coating thermal conductivity. With increased spraying
graphene coating thermal conductivity. With increased spraying pressure, the graphene content in the pressure, the
graphene content in the unit spraying area also increased. Thus, the thermal conductivity
unit spraying area also increased. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the graphene coating was increased, of the
graphene
and coating wascapability
the anti-/deicing increased, ofand the anti-/deicing
the anti-/deicing capability
component wasofimproved.
the anti-/deicing component
By increasing was
the spray
improved. By increasing the spray pressure, the graphene coating can be applied thinner,
pressure, the graphene coating can be applied thinner, which leads to higher thermal conductivity. which leads
to higher thermal
Therefore, conductivity.
by increasing spraying Therefore,
pressure,by
theincreasing
graphenespraying pressure,
coating has the graphene
better thermal coating has
conductivity.
better thermal conductivity.
Coatings 2017, 7, 158 9 of 11

4. Conclusions
This work demonstrated the anti-/deicing efficiency of graphene coating by using its heat-transfer
characteristics to improve the anti-/deicing component. The thermal conductivity of the graphene
coating was applied to improve the heat-transfer performance of the anti-/deicing composite
components. The effect of the graphene coating on the anti-icing and deicing efficiency of anti-/deicing
component was also studied. The experimental data showed that with the action of centrifugal force,
the graphene coating can enhance the heat transfer of the anti-/deicing component, effectively improve
the anti-/deicing capacity, and reduce the energy consumption of the helicopter.
A reduced thickness of graphene coating can improve its thermal conductivity, thereby enhancing
the anti-/deicing efficiency of the helicopter rotor. Graphene coating exhibited a good heat-transfer
performance when using a high spraying pressure. The present results provide a reference for an
application of the thermal conductivity of graphene coating.
By applying the graphene coating to improve the heat-transfer performance of the anti-/deicing
component, the deicing efficiency of the anti-deicing component was greatly improved. Compared
with the existing anti-/deicing method, maximum efficiency can be increased by 70%. The conclusion
of this study makes a significant contribution to the development of future helicopter rotor
anti-/deicing technology.

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by Defense Industrial Technology Development Program (No.
A0520110009), State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology Independent Subject (No. BUAA-VR-16ZZ-07).
Author Contributions: Long Chen and Yidu Zhang conceived and designed the experiments; Long Chen
performed the experiments; Long Chen and Qiong Wu analyzed the data; Qiong Wu contributed analysis tools;
Long Chen wrote the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Nomenclature
d Width of the single-layer graphene, mm
L Distance between the middle part of the single-layer graphene and the fins, mm
mice Mass of the icing, kg
r Radius of gyration, m
R Resistance value,
t Heating time, s
Q Joule heat energy, J
U Heating voltage, V
v Rotating linear velocity of the icing, m/s
Xg Temperature coefficient
Thermal conductivity, W/(m C)
f Change of G peak displacement
P Change of thermal power

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