image:
FDM 3D-printed G-TPU/N-TPU double-layer structure and its anisotropic thermal conductivity ratio.
view more
Credit: XI Min
A research team led by Prof. WANG Zhenyang at the Institute of Solid State Physics, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a novel 3D-printed graphene/polymer double-layer composite with high anisotropic thermal conductivity, offering enhanced photothermal and electrothermal performance for advanced ice control applications.
The findings were published in Carbon and Chemical Engineering Journal.
Graphene is known for its outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity, particularly its strong anisotropy—high in-plane conductivity and much lower through-plane conductivity.
To utilize this property, the team designed a composite structure using dual-nozzle fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing to directionally align graphene within a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix. The resulting double-layer composite, consisting of graphene-enhanced TPU (G-TPU) and neat TPU (N-TPU), achieved an in-plane thermal conductivity of 4.54 W/(m·K), with an anisotropic ratio of about 8.
Further performance enhancement was achieved through laser-induced surface engineering. The laser treatment preserved graphene alignment, exposed the conductive network, and created a carbonized TPU layer, improving both thermal and electrical anisotropy. The anisotropic thermal conductivity ratio increased to 9.1, and the anisotropic electrical resistance ratio improved by over an order of magnitude. Additionally, the laser-treated surface exhibited improved hydrophobicity and light absorption, boosting photothermal conversion efficiency.
This work provides a scalable strategy for fabricating high-performance materials for anti-/de-icing systems, according to the team.
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
DOI
10.1016/j.cej.2025.162399
Article Title
Laser induced 3D printed graphene enhanced thermoplastic polyurethane structure for improved anisotropy and Photo-/Electro-thermal deicing performance
Article Publication Date
7-Apr-2025
Media Contact
Weiwei Zhao
Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Office: 86-551-655-91206
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
DOI
10.1016/j.cej.2025.162399
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
DOI
10.1016/j.cej.2025.162399
Article Title
Laser induced 3D printed graphene enhanced thermoplastic polyurethane structure for improved anisotropy and Photo-/Electro-thermal deicing performance
Article Publication Date
7-Apr-2025
Keywords
/Physical sciences
bu içeriği en az 2000 kelime olacak şekilde ve alt başlıklar ve madde içermiyecek şekilde ünlü bir science magazine için İngilizce olarak yeniden yaz. Teknik açıklamalar içersin ve viral olacak şekilde İngilizce yaz. Haber dışında başka bir şey içermesin. Haber içerisinde en az 12 paragraf ve her bir paragrafta da en az 50 kelime olsun. Cevapta sadece haber olsun. Ayrıca haberi yazdıktan sonra içerikten yararlanarak aşağıdaki başlıkların bilgisi var ise haberin altında doldur. Eğer yoksa bilgisi ilgili kısmı yazma.:
Subject of Research:
Article Title:
News Publication Date:
Web References:
References:
Image Credits:
Keywords
Tags: 3D-printed graphene compositesadvanced photothermal applicationsanisotropic thermal conductivity in polymersapplications of graphene in compositescarbon-based materials in engineeringelectrothermal performance in ice controlgraphene/polymer double-layer structuresHefei Institutes of Physical Science researchhigh-performance ice control materialsinnovative materials for winter conditionssolid state physics advancementsthermal management in engineering