Thermal Behavior of Transparent Film Heaters Made of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

We investigate thermal behavior of transparent film heaters (TFH) made of single-walled carbon nanotubes. We fabricate the TFH by using the spray coating method. We studied the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance of the TFH in terms of Joule and external heating in various gas environments. Test results show that the effect of the electrical current through the TFH on the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance is not important and that the humidity and the degree of vacuum significantly affect the shape of the resistance−temperature curve. We discuss the physical meanings underlying the experimental results and how to make use of these findings. This study improves the understanding of the heating effect on electrical conductance of the TFH made of single-walled carbon nanotubes which could be a good candidate for the heater in many applications requiring both transparency and heating function.