EMPA shows graphene composite reduces aircraft de-icing energy by 60%
Researchers at EMPA demonstrated a graphene-composite leading-edge skin that reduces aircraft de-icing energy consumption by 60%, achieving ice shedding at 5 W/cm² in panels tested at -25°C and 240 km/h after 1,200 cycles without delamination. The result advances graphene's case as a functional heating element within carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer structures for aerospace applications, with EMPA now scaling production toward trial integration in a commercial trainer aircraft.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a graphene-composite leading-edge skin for commercial aircraft, significantly reducing de-icing energy consumption. The composite, integrated into a carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer host, achieves ice removal at just 5 watts per square centimetre, a substantial reduction compared to traditional bleed-air or electrothermal systems. EMPA conducted tests on 0.6 square-metre panels in an icing wind tunnel at temperatures of -25 degrees Celsius with airflow speeds of 240 km per hour. The graphene heating elements effectively increase the temperature from -25 to +5 degrees Celsius in 12 seconds, maintaining integrity without delamination after 1,200 cycles. This research, in collaboration with Pilatus Aircraft, is detailed in Composites Part B. EMPA is currently working with a partner to scale production for trial integration in a commercial trainer aircraft. The European Commission Clean Sky 2 programme provided funding for this project.
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