The manufacture of a transparent film heater by spinning multi-walled carbon nanotubes

A flexible, transparent heater was manufactured by spinning multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNT sheets were produced by continuously pulling on well-aligned MWCNTs, and films were produced by directly coating a flexible film. Single and double sheets were produced with sheet resistances of ∼699 Ω/sq and ∼349 Ω/sq and transmittances of 81% to 85% and 67% to 72%, respectively. Both films were heated by applying a direct current, and showed rapid thermal responses and uniform temperature distribution. The rate of temperature change was found to depend on the power applied. Frost on the surface of these films was rapidly removed so that they may have applications as automatic defrosters in vehicles of goggles.

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► A flexible, transparent heater was manufactured by spinning MWCNTs.
► Sheet films were heated by applying a direct current.
► Sheet films showed rapid thermal responses and uniform temperature distribution.
► Frost on the surface of sheet films was rapidly removed.