Analysis of the Multiphysics Behavior of Innovative Materials for Advanced Electrical Applications

Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene, exhibit exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, making them highly attractive for technological applications. However, the fabrication of pure and reproducible nanomaterials suitable for large-scale production remains complex and expensive. For this reason, increasing attention is being devoted to graphene nanoplatelet GNP-based nanocomposites, which preserve many of graphene’s functional advantages while offering improved reproducibility and industrial feasibility. In this work, several GNP-based formulations developed by Nanesa S.r.l. were studied, differing in both GNP concentration and binder type. Their electrical and thermal properties were determined through experimental characterization and coupled electrothermal modeling, in order to evaluate their potential use in multifunctional applications. Two main applications were explored. The first concerns heating elements for de-icing systems, where the same material also acts as the sensing component of a planar capacitor for ice detection, thus combining heating and monitoring within a single layer. The second involves coatings for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, which also act as distributed temperature sensors, showing a measurable response to temperature variations. The results demonstrate that GNP-based nanocomposites can effectively integrate conductive, thermal, and sensing functionalities, offering a scalable and cost-effective platform for multifunctional engineering applications.