Mechanical and Electrothermal Properties of Conductive Ethylene–Propylene–Diene Monomer Rubber Composite for Active Deicing and Snow Melting

Abstract

This study aims to develop a new type of road active deicing material that can efficiently and quickly remove ice/snow while meeting the mechanical properties requirements. A conductive ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) rubber composite material with active deicing and snow melting is put forward. The composite material consisted of three layers: (1) a heat transfer layer prepared by adding graphite into EPDM rubber, (2) carbon fiber cloth sandwiched in EPDM rubber as a heat generating layer, and (3) an insulation layer composed of aluminum silicate fiber cloth and EPDM rubber. The three layers were vulcanized into one at high temperature and pressure. Tests for mechanical and electrothermal properties were carried out. The results show that graphite can improve the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of EPDM rubber. The resistance of the composite material is low and stable. A large amount of heat can be generated in a short time at a low voltage. It is proven that the conductive EPDM rubber composite can be used as an active deicing material for roads.