SWCNT/PEDOT:PSS/TPU electrothermal composites for flexible, wearable heater under low temperature environmental conditions

Abstract

This study developed a composite heater incorporating single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Heaters were fabricated by adjusting the SWCNT weight percentage relative to TPU from 1 wt% to 9 wt%, based on the optimal PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT ratio for achieving the lowest sheet resistance. These membranes were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and their electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties were characterized. The 9 wt% composite heater, which demonstrated a maximum Joule heating performance of 130 °C at 3 V, was examined in detail. The suitability of this heater for wearable and deicing devices was confirmed. These findings highlight the potential of flexible and wearable composite heaters in low temperature environments.