Abstract

Aeronautical sector, like many others, is trying to benefit from exceptional properties of graphene as soon as possible (low density, unique electrical, thermal, optical, mechanical properties…). In fact composite airframe enhancement by graphene related materials is part of the biggest European research project, the Graphene Flagship, which is trying to bring graphene from lab to society. Then, within this context, a first high potential application of graphene in aeronautical composite structure has been selected by Airbus: de- / anti-icing system.

The graphene concept studied for anti-icing application is an electro-thermal system, where heat is generated by applying electrical voltage by Joule effect. Key work performed in this study was focused on following aspects: identification of use cases and requirements, selection of graphene based related material, integration concepts within carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), demonstration or proof of concept through manufacturing and functionality tests, and, finally, preliminary value and risk assessment of solution.

As per work performed, it can be concluded that the potential of proposed innovative graphene based electro-thermal system for composite aeronautical part anti-icing function has been preliminary proven and demonstrated. However, there is still a long way to increase the maturity, scale-up the concept, demonstrate cost saving and benefits versus other solutions, as well as to overcome the identified risks.