Photo-thermal deicing optical fiber for cold light confinement environment
By coating the ends of optical fiber substrates with expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol, and polyimide to prepare a photothermal composite material, the problem of de-icing in cold and light-limited environments was solved, achieving efficient and stable photothermal de-icing effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511593115.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are difficult to de-ice efficiently in cold environments, especially in enclosed spaces. Traditional photothermal materials have low heat utilization and poor temperature stability, making them unsuitable for light-limited environments.
A photothermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol and polyimide is coated on the end of an optical fiber substrate to form a photothermal de-icing optical fiber. The optical fiber substrate is used to conduct light energy to a closed space for de-icing.
It achieves highly efficient de-icing, is suitable for confined spaces, and possesses excellent circulation stability and de-icing efficiency. It is applicable to key components in confined spaces such as aircraft and vehicle engines.
Smart Images

Figure CN121343557A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of photothermal functional materials and de-icing technology, specifically to a photothermal de-icing optical fiber for use in cold, light-confined environments. Background Technology
[0002] In cold environments, residual moisture inside gasoline engines, gas turbine engines, and aircraft after shutdown can freeze rapidly, posing a serious threat to critical components such as spark plugs, fuel injectors, vents, and solenoid valves. For example, if spark plug electrodes are covered with ice crystals, their insulation performance will deteriorate, resulting in insufficient ignition energy or complete misfire upon restarting; iced fuel injectors can clog the nozzles, disrupting fuel atomization and causing uneven fuel supply to the combustion chamber; ice-blocked vents can obstruct the airflow path, creating negative pressure in the fuel tank and preventing the fuel pump from effectively drawing fuel; if solenoid valves are frozen, the valve core may become stuck, leading to valve leaks and system malfunction. These icing problems can escalate into catastrophic events that cause complete engine failure and jeopardize flight safety.
[0003] Currently, icing protection for critical vehicle and aircraft components mainly employs preventative measures such as functional coatings, electric heating elements, engine waste heat utilization, and optimized design of air and fuel systems. Post-icing treatment commonly utilizes methods such as mechanical de-icing, heated de-icing, and chemical de-icing. However, these methods suffer from low de-icing efficiency, high energy consumption, high system complexity, and potential damage to substrates.
[0004] Photothermal de-icing technology melts ice by absorbing light energy to generate heat, and it has advantages such as being non-contact, green and low-carbon, and having a rapid response, making it a research hotspot. However, traditional photothermal materials generally suffer from low heat utilization and poor temperature stability, and existing photothermal de-icing technologies heavily rely on direct external light, making them difficult to apply to light-confined environments such as enclosed spaces. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a photothermal de-icing optical fiber with high de-icing efficiency and suitable for cold and light-restricted environments, so as to solve the problem of de-icing inside facilities and equipment in cold and light-restricted environments.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides a photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold, light-confined environments, comprising an optical fiber substrate, wherein the end surface of the optical fiber substrate is processed with a photothermal material; the photothermal material is a photothermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol and polyimide.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment, in the photothermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol and polyimide, the mass ratio of polyethylene glycol, polyimide and expanded graphite is (3.3~3.5):(0.4~0.6):(0.2~0.4).
[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the photothermal composite material is prepared as follows: First, 3.3-3.5 parts by weight of polyethylene glycol are vacuum dehydrated at 100-120 °C for 2 h, and then cooled to 40-80 °C; then, 0.5-0.7 parts by weight of TRI-HDI are dissolved in 1.89-2.83 parts by weight of DMF to form a solvent, and the dehydrated polyethylene glycol is added to the solvent, reacting at 50-70 °C for 40-50 min; then, 0.4-0.6 parts by weight of polyimide are dissolved in 1.42-2.36 parts by weight of DMF and added to the aforementioned reaction system, reacting at 50-70 °C for 35-45 min to obtain a prepolymer solution; subsequently, 0.1-0.15 parts by weight of butanedione oxime are dissolved in 0.89-1.78 parts by weight of THF and added to the prepolymer solution, reacting at 50-70 °C for 35-45 min to obtain a prepolymer solution. After reacting at ℃ for 8-15 min, add 0.2-0.4 parts by weight of expanded graphite and stir until uniformly mixed under a water bath at 50-70 ℃; finally, sonicate the mixed solution for 15-25 min to obtain the photothermal composite material.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the length of the region at the end of the optical fiber substrate where the photothermal material is processed is 1.0~4.5cm.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the photothermal material processed at the end of the optical fiber substrate is 1.0~2.0 mm.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the region at the end of the optical fiber substrate where photothermal material is processed is a sheet-like end region formed by hot pressing.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the preparation method of the photothermal de-icing optical fiber is as follows: first, the cladding on the surface of the end region of the optical fiber substrate is removed; then, the end region after removing the cladding is formed into a sheet-like end region by hot pressing; then, the sheet-like end region is ground and polished, and after ultrasonic cleaning and drying with deionized water, the photothermal composite material is coated and processed on the sheet-like end region to obtain the finished photothermal de-icing optical fiber.
[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the sheet-like end region formed on the optical fiber substrate by hot pressing is 1.5~2.0mm.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber substrate is a plastic optical fiber.
[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the surface of the photothermal material at the end of the optical fiber substrate is further processed with a hydrophobic protective material layer; the hydrophobic protective material layer is nano-silica, nano-titanium dioxide or polydimethylsiloxane.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold, light-confined environments provided by this invention is developed by coating the end surface of the optical fiber matrix with an EG@PEG / PI photothermal composite material with high photothermal conversion capabilities. In this photothermal composite material, expanded graphite (EG), with its excellent thermal conductivity and light absorption properties and its unique layered structure, serves as a light absorption and thermal conductivity framework, enhancing the multiple light scattering effect; polyethylene glycol (PEG) achieves efficient thermal energy storage through its high phase transition enthalpy, serving as a phase change energy storage material; and polyimide (PI), with its rigid aromatic ring structure, constructs a stable three-dimensional network, improving the material's thermal stability, and synergistically modulates the band gap, constructs π–π conjugated channels and nonradiative relaxation, and promotes a triple synergistic mechanism, thereby significantly enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency. Seven experiments verified that the photothermal de-icing fiber of this invention can achieve a heating rate of 3.05 ℃ / min at -15 ℃, completely melting a 0.3 mm ice layer within 5 minutes, with a de-icing efficiency of 3.32 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹, and exhibits excellent cycle stability. This invention overcomes the dependence of traditional photothermal de-icing technology on direct light, and has advantages such as high de-icing efficiency and applicability to photothermal de-icing requirements in confined spaces, providing an innovative solution for de-icing and protection of critical components in confined spaces such as aircraft and vehicle engines. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the invention clearer, the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 The images shown are partial photographs of the end region of the photothermal de-icing optical fiber of the present invention prepared in the examples, and microscopic photographs of the thickness of the photothermal material.
[0018] Figure 2 The figure shows the heating performance curve of the photothermal de-icing fiber in the embodiment.
[0019] Figure 3 The figure shows the test results of the de-icing efficiency of the photothermal de-icing fiber in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the figures, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," etc., do not indicate that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0022] First, let me explain the abbreviations of the materials used in this plan: PEG: Polyethylene glycol, chemical formula HO(CH2CH2O) n H; PI: Polyimide (PI for short) is a class of high molecular weight polymers containing repeating units of imide rings (-CO-NR-CO-) in the main chain; EG: Expanded Graphite (EG for short); DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide, chemical formula HCON(CH3)2; THF: Tetrahydrofuran, also known as oxacyclopentane or 1,4-epoxybutane, with the chemical formula C4H8O; TRI-HDI: A compound consisting of three HDI molecules linked by chemical bonds; HDI: Hexamethylene diisocyanate, chemical formula C8HN2O2.
[0023] This invention discloses a photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold, light-confined environments, comprising an optical fiber matrix, the end surface of which is processed with a photothermal material. This photothermal material is a photothermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol, and polyimide. In this photothermal composite material, expanded graphite (EG), with its excellent thermal conductivity and light absorption properties, and its unique layered structure, serves as a light absorption and thermal conductivity framework, enhancing the multiple light scattering effect. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) utilizes its high phase transition enthalpy to achieve efficient thermal energy storage, serving as a phase change energy storage material. Polyimide (PI), with its rigid aromatic ring structure, constructs a stable three-dimensional network, improving the material's thermal stability, and synergistically regulates the band gap, constructs π–π conjugated channels and non-radiative relaxation, promoting a triple synergistic mechanism, thereby significantly enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency.
[0024] In use, the end of the photothermal de-icing fiber of this invention, in which the photothermal material is processed, is positioned at an external location where a light source can be received. The fiber portion of the fiber matrix is positioned at the icing site within the enclosed or light-confined space requiring de-icing. Thus, the end of the photothermal de-icing fiber receives the external light source and efficiently conducts the light energy to the photothermal material, inducing a rapid photothermal response. The fiber matrix then conducts the external light energy to the icing site within the enclosed or light-confined space. Since the photothermal material absorbs the light energy and converts it into heat energy, and utilizes the phase change material for heat storage and release, efficient and continuous de-icing can be achieved. This invention overcomes the dependence of traditional photothermal de-icing technology on direct light, providing an innovative solution for de-icing and protection of critical components in enclosed spaces such as aircraft and vehicle engines.
[0025] Specifically, in the photothermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol and polyimide, the mass ratio of polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyimide (PI) and expanded graphite (EG) is (3.3~3.5):(0.4~0.6):(0.2~0.4). The photothermal composite material is prepared as follows: First, 3.3–3.5 parts by weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) are vacuum dehydrated at 100–120 °C for 2 h, and then cooled to 40–80 °C. Next, 0.5–0.7 parts by weight of TRI-HDI are dissolved in 1.89–2.83 parts by weight (approximately 2–3 mL) of DMF to form a solvent. The dehydrated polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added to the solvent, and the reaction is carried out at 50–70 °C for 40–50 min. Then, 0.4–0.6 parts by weight of polyimide (PI) are dissolved in 1.42–2.36 parts by weight (approximately 1.5–2.5 mL) of DMF, and added to the aforementioned reaction system. The reaction is continued at 50–70 °C for 35–45 min to obtain a prepolymer solution. Subsequently, 0.1–0.15 parts by weight of PEG are added to the prepolymer solution. A certain amount of dimethylglyoxime is dissolved in 0.89–1.78 parts by weight (approximately 1–2 mL) of THF, and then added to the prepolymer solution. After reacting at 50–70 °C for 8–15 min, 0.2–0.4 parts by weight of expanded graphite (EG) is added, and the mixture is stirred until homogeneous under a water bath at 50–70 °C. Finally, the mixture is ultrasonically treated for 15–25 min to obtain the photothermal composite material. This photothermal composite material can be designated as EG@PEG / PI, and the EG@PEG / PI content in the photothermal composite material prepared by the above method is approximately 4%–8%.
[0026] In practical applications, the length of the area at the end of the optical fiber substrate where photothermal material is processed is 1.0~4.5cm. The length of this area needs to be sufficient to ensure adequate photothermal conversion area to the external light source; therefore, it is recommended that the length of this area be at least 1.0cm. However, the length of this area should not be too long to avoid increasing product size and cost while the photothermal conversion performance continues to approach zero. Therefore, it is recommended that the length of this area not exceed 4.5cm.
[0027] In practical applications, the thickness of the photothermal material processed at the end of the optical fiber substrate is 1.0~2.0mm. The thickness of the photothermal material at the end of the optical fiber substrate needs to reach at least 1.0mm to ensure the photothermal conversion performance to external light sources; however, the thickness of the photothermal material should not be too thick to avoid increasing material costs while the continued gain of photothermal conversion performance approaches zero. Therefore, it is recommended that the thickness of the photothermal material not exceed 2.0mm.
[0028] In practical applications, from a technical feasibility perspective, the area at the end of the optical fiber substrate where the photothermal material is processed can be of any shape. However, as a preferred option, the area at the end of the optical fiber substrate where the photothermal material is processed is preferably formed into a sheet-like end area through hot pressing. This extends and increases the surface area of the end area, i.e., increases the area on the optical fiber end surface that can bear the photothermal material, thereby helping to enhance the photothermal performance of the optical fiber. The specific method for preparing the photothermal de-icing optical fiber of this design is as follows: first, the cladding on the surface of the end area of the optical fiber substrate is removed; then, the end area after cladding removal is formed into a sheet-like end area through hot pressing; then, the sheet-like end area is polished, ultrasonically cleaned with deionized water, and dried; finally, the photothermal composite material is coated and processed onto the sheet-like end area to obtain the finished photothermal de-icing optical fiber. During this processing, the thickness of the sheet-like end area formed on the optical fiber substrate through hot pressing is preferably 1.5~2.0 mm. To maximize surface area, the sheet-like end region formed by hot pressing of the optical fiber substrate should ideally be thinner and have a larger surface area. Therefore, the thickness of this end region is best processed to 2.0 mm or less. However, it cannot be too thin; the sheet-like end region needs to maintain a certain structural strength, so its thickness should ideally not be less than 1.5 mm. Furthermore, plastic optical fiber is preferred because it is easier to soften and extrude compared to glass optical fiber. Of course, from a technical standpoint, glass optical fiber can also be used, but the softening temperature and extrusion pressure are higher, which would increase processing costs.
[0029] In practical applications, as a further optimization of the design, a hydrophobic protective material layer can be processed on the surface of the photothermal material at the end of the optical fiber substrate to provide hydrophobicity and structural protection for the photothermal material. During implementation, the hydrophobic protective material layer can be made of hydrophobic materials such as nano-silica, nano-titanium dioxide, or polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). These materials not only have good hydrophobic properties but also good light transmittance, minimizing the impact on the light-receiving performance of the photothermal material.
[0030] The present invention will be further illustrated by the following examples.
[0031] Example 1: The fiber fabrication steps for photothermal de-icing in this embodiment are as follows: 1) Preparation of photothermal coating EG@PEG / PI: First, 3.5 g of PEG was vacuum dehydrated at 110 °C for 2 h, and then cooled to 60 °C. 0.6 g of TRI-HDI was dissolved in 2.5 mL of DMF and added to the PEG mixture, and the reaction was carried out at 60 °C for 45 min. Then, 0.5 g of PI was dissolved in 2 mL of DMF and added to the reaction system, and the reaction was continued at 60 °C for 40 min. 0.12 g of dimethylglyoxime was dissolved in 1.5 mL of THF and added to the prepolymer solution, and the reaction was carried out at 60 °C for 10 min. Then, 0.3 g of EG was added, and the mixture was stirred until homogeneous under a 60 °C water bath. The mixture was ultrasonically treated for 20 min to obtain an EG@PEG / PI composite material with an EG content of approximately 6%.
[0032] 2) Fabrication of optical fiber for photothermal de-icing: Commercial plastic optical fibers with a diameter of 3 mm were selected. First, the cladding of the end portion (3 cm) was removed using precision fiber strippers. Then, the fiber was heated at 180 °C for 10 s to soften it, and a pressure of 0.5 MPa was applied and held for 10 s to form a 2 mm thick sheet-like end region. The end face was then successively ground and polished using 1500-mesh and 2000-mesh fiber polishing paper, followed by ultrasonic cleaning with deionized water and drying in a vacuum environment at 50 °C for 6 h. A 6% EG@PEG / PI composite material was uniformly coated onto the sheet-like end region, preparing samples with a coating thickness of 1.0 mm. Finally, a superhydrophobic nano-silica material was coated onto the coating surface to construct a hydrophobic protective layer.
[0033] Example 2: The fiber fabrication steps for photothermal de-icing in this embodiment are as follows: 1) Preparation of photothermal coating EG@PEG / PI: First, 3.3 g of PEG was vacuum dehydrated at 100 °C for 2 h, and then cooled to 80 °C. 0.5 g of TRI-HDI was dissolved in 3 mL of DMF and added to the PEG mixture, and the mixture was reacted at 40 °C for 40 min. Then, 0.4 g of PI was dissolved in 2.5 mL of DMF and added to the reaction mixture, and the reaction was continued at 60 °C for 40 min. 0.1 g of dimethylglyoxime was dissolved in 2 mL of THF and added to the prepolymer solution, and the mixture was reacted at 40 °C for 8 min. Then, 0.2 g of EG was added, and the mixture was stirred until homogeneous in a 40 °C water bath. The mixture was ultrasonically treated for 15 min to obtain an EG@PEG / PI composite material with an EG content of approximately 4%.
[0034] 2) Fabrication of optical fiber for photothermal de-icing: Commercial plastic optical fibers with a diameter of 2 mm were selected. First, a 1 cm cladding layer was removed from the end using precision fiber strippers. Then, the fiber was heated at 160 °C for 8 s to soften it, and a pressure of 0.4 MPa was applied and held for 8 s to form a 1.5 mm thick sheet-like end region. The end face was then polished using 1400-mesh and 1800-mesh fiber polishing paper, followed by ultrasonic cleaning with deionized water and drying in a vacuum environment at 40 °C for 4 h. Approximately 4% EG@PEG / PI composite material was uniformly coated onto the sheet-like end region of the optical fiber, preparing samples with a coating thickness of 1.5 mm. Finally, a superhydrophobic nano-silica material was coated onto the coating surface to construct a hydrophobic protective layer.
[0035] Example 3: The fiber fabrication steps for photothermal de-icing in this embodiment are as follows: 1) Preparation of photothermal coating EG@PEG / PI: First, 3.5 g of PEG was vacuum dehydrated at 120 °C for 2 h, and then cooled to 40 °C. 0.7 g of TRI-HDI was dissolved in 2 mL of DMF and added to the PEG mixture, and the mixture was reacted at 70 °C for 50 min. Then, 0.6 g of PI was dissolved in 1.5 mL of DMF and added to the reaction mixture, and the reaction was continued at 70 °C for 50 min. 0.15 g of dimethylglyoxime was dissolved in 1 mL of THF and added to the prepolymer solution, and the mixture was reacted at 70 °C for 15 min. Then, 0.4 g of EG was added, and the mixture was stirred until homogeneous under a 70 °C water bath. The mixture was ultrasonically treated for 25 min to obtain an EG@PEG / PI composite material with an EG content of approximately 8%.
[0036] 2) Fabrication of optical fiber for photothermal de-icing: Commercial plastic optical fibers with a diameter of 4 mm were selected. First, the cladding of the end portion (4.5 cm) was removed using precision fiber strippers. Then, the fiber was heated at 200 °C for 12 s to soften it, and a pressure of 0.6 MPa was applied and held for 15 s to form a 2 mm thick sheet-like end region. The end face was then polished using 1600-mesh and 2100-mesh fiber polishing paper, followed by ultrasonic cleaning with deionized water and drying in a vacuum environment at 60 °C for 8 h. Approximately 8% EG@PEG / PI composite material was uniformly coated onto the sheet-like end region of the optical fiber, preparing samples with a coating thickness of 2.0 mm. Finally, a superhydrophobic nano-silica material was coated onto the coating surface to construct a hydrophobic protective layer.
[0037] Example 4: A partial photograph of the sheet-like end region on the fiber substrate of the photothermal de-icing optical fiber prepared in Example 1, showing the area where the photothermal material is processed on the optical fiber substrate. Figure 1(Left image), and a microscopic photograph of the thickness of its photothermal material ( Figure 1 (See right image) Figure 1 As shown. In this embodiment, the following test experiment was conducted using the photothermal de-icing fiber: With an input optical power of P = 100 mW / cm² 2 The heating performance of the optical fiber for photothermal de-icing was tested. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in an environment of -15 °C, the surface temperature of the sheet-like end region of the optical fiber coated with EG@PEG / PI rises to 7.5 °C at a heating rate of 3.05 °C / min.
[0038] To evaluate the de-icing performance of optical fibers, de-icing experiments were conducted on optical fibers under different light intensities in an environment of -15 ℃ and relative humidity (RH) of 60% ± 5%. The de-icing efficiency is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, at a light intensity of 50 mW / cm 2 100mW / cm 2 and 150 mW / cm 2 The de-icing efficiency can reach 1.85 kg·m³. -2 ·h -1 2.52 kg·m -2 ·h -1 and 3.32 kg·m -2 ·h -1 .
[0039] The above experiments verify that the photothermal de-icing fiber of the present invention can achieve a heating rate of 3.05 ℃ / min in an environment of -15 ℃, completely melt a 0.3 mm ice layer within 5 minutes, achieve a de-icing efficiency of 3.32 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹, and has excellent cycle stability.
[0040] Overview In summary, this invention discloses a photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold, light-confined environments. It achieves high efficiency by coating the end surface of the fiber matrix with an EG@PEG / PI photothermal composite material exhibiting high photothermal conversion capabilities. In this photothermal composite material, expanded graphite (EG), with its excellent thermal conductivity and light absorption properties, and its unique layered structure, serves as a light absorption and thermal conductivity framework, enhancing multiple light scattering effects. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), with its high phase transition enthalpy, achieves efficient thermal energy storage, acting as a phase change energy storage material. Polyimide (PI), with its rigid aromatic ring structure, constructs a stable three-dimensional network, improving the material's thermal stability and synergistically modulating the band gap, constructing π–π conjugated channels and non-radiative relaxation, and promoting a triple synergistic mechanism, thereby significantly enhancing photothermal conversion efficiency. This invention overcomes the dependence of traditional photothermal de-icing technologies on direct light illumination, offering advantages such as high de-icing efficiency and applicability to the photothermal de-icing requirements of confined spaces. It provides an innovative solution for de-icing and protection of critical components in confined spaces such as aircraft and vehicle engines.
[0041] It is understood that the present invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Under the teachings of the present invention, modifications can be made to these features and embodiments to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments described in this invention are only a part of the embodiments of the invention, not all of them. The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold light confinement environments, characterized in that, The optical fiber base body is processed with a photo-thermal material on the end surface; the photo-thermal material is a photo-thermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol and polyimide.
2. The photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold light-restricted environments of claim 1, wherein, In the photo-thermal composite material prepared by processing expanded graphite, polyethylene glycol and polyimide, the mass ratio of polyethylene glycol, polyimide and expanded graphite is (3.3-3.5):(0.4-0.6):(0.2-0.4).
3. The photonic ice-melting optical fiber for cold light-restricted environments of claim 1, wherein, The photo-thermal composite material is prepared by the following method: First, 3.3-3.5 parts by weight of polyethylene glycol is vacuum dehydrated at 100-120 DEG C for 2 hours, and then cooled to 40-80 DEG C; Then, 0.5-0.7 parts by weight of TRI-HDI is dissolved in 1.89-2.83 parts by weight of DMF to form a solvent, the dehydrated polyethylene glycol is added to the solvent, and reacted at 50-70 DEG C for 40-50 min; 0.4-0.6 parts by weight of polyimide is dissolved in 1.42-2.36 parts by weight of DMF, and added to the above reaction system, and continued to react at 50-70 DEG C for 35-45 min to obtain a prepolymer solution; Then, 0.1-0.15 parts by weight of butanedione oxime is dissolved in 0.89-1.78 parts by weight of THF, and then added to the prepolymer solution, and reacted at 50-70 DEG C for 8-15 min, and then 0.2-0.4 parts by weight of expanded graphite is added, and stirred until uniform under the condition of 50-70 DEG C water bath; finally, the mixed solution is ultrasonically treated for 15-25 min to obtain the photo-thermal composite material.
4. The photonic ice-melting optical fiber for cold light-restricted environments of claim 1, wherein, The length of the region of the end of the optical fiber base body processed with the photo-thermal material is 1.0-4.5 cm.
5. The photonic ice-dissolution fiber for cold light confinement environments of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the region of the end of the optical fiber base body processed with the photo-thermal material is 1.0-2.0 mm.
6. The photonic ice-dissolution optical fiber for cold light-restricted environments of claim 1, wherein, The region of the end of the optical fiber base body processed with the photo-thermal material is a sheet-shaped end region formed by hot pressing.
7. The photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold light-restricted environments of claim 6, wherein, The preparation method of the photo-thermal deicing optical fiber is as follows: first, the cladding layer on the surface of the end region of the optical fiber base body is removed, then the end region after removing the cladding layer is formed into a sheet-shaped end region by hot pressing, then the sheet-shaped end region is polished and polished, and then deionized water ultrasonic cleaning and drying treatment are carried out, and then the photo-thermal composite material is coated on the sheet-shaped end region to obtain a photo-thermal deicing optical fiber product.
8. The photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cold light-restricted environments of claim 6, wherein, The thickness of the sheet-shaped end region of the optical fiber base body formed by hot pressing is 1.5-2.0 mm.
9. The photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cryogenic light-restricted environments of claim 6, wherein, The optical fiber base body is a plastic optical fiber.
10. The photothermal de-icing optical fiber for cryogenic light-restricted environments of claim 1, wherein, The surface of the photo-thermal material on the end of the optical fiber base body is also processed with a hydrophobic protective material layer; the hydrophobic protective material layer is nano-silicon dioxide, nano-titanium dioxide or polydimethylsiloxane.