High-Temperature Transparent Polymer Heater Based on n-Doped Poly(benzodifurandione)

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Transparent conductive films are crucial for various electronic applications.
• Existing materials often face challenges with performance, scalability, or durability.
• Developing novel polymer-based transparent heaters is an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-performance, all-polymer transparent heaters using a novel material.
• To investigate the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of these heaters.
• To demonstrate the practical utility of the developed transparent heaters.

Main Methods:

• Spray-coating of n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) ink.
• Characterization of sheet resistance, visible light transmittance, and optical haze.
• Thermal conductivity measurements (in-plane and cross-plane).
• Performance testing under DC voltage, including heating rates and response times.
• Stability testing (continuous operation and bending cycles).

Main Results:

• Achieved low sheet resistance (≈60 Ω sq.⁻¹) and high visible light transmittance (>80%) with low haze (<0.30%).
• Heaters reached >180 °C at <24 V with rapid heating rates (>2.5 °C s⁻¹).
• Demonstrated significant in-plane thermal conductivity (≈3.4 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹) for uniform heating.
• Exhibited excellent operational stability (>85% performance after 7 days) and mechanical durability (60,000 bending cycles).

Conclusions:

• Spray-coated n-PBDF films represent a high-performance all-polymer transparent heater solution.
• The material offers a compelling combination of electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties.
• Demonstrated practical applications in deicing and defogging, highlighting their potential for widespread use.