Difference Between Graphene Heating Films and Other Heating Methods

Introduction

Electric heating films are thin films that generate heat when powered by electricity. They consist of electrically insulating materials that encapsulate heating resistors, forming flat heating elements. As people’s living standards improve, personalized heating or therapy products, which are convenient for individual control, are becoming increasingly popular, with electric heating films leading the way.

These products, such as far-infrared therapy devices, heating wall art, plug-and-play electric blankets, and heated floors, are likely to become essential in your daily life. Therefore, understanding them is important.

Types of Electric Heating Films

Different conductive materials and film substrates can create various types of electric heating films. According to China’s “Low-Temperature Radiant Electric Heating Film” (JG/T286-2010) industrial standard, electric heating films are classified into three categories based on their heating materials: metal-based electric heating films, inorganic non-metallic-based electric heating films, and polymer electric heating films. Inorganic non-metallic-based films are further divided into carbon-based ink heating films and carbon fiber heating films.

Most electric heating films in the market fall into one of these categories: metal wire heating films, carbon fiber heating films, carbon crystal heating films, PTC ceramic heating films, carbon-based ink heating films, and the focus of today—graphene heating films. So, what do they look like, and which properties should you care about when choosing one?

Key Features of Graphene Heating Films

1. Flexibility: 100% graphene heating films are flexible.
2. Safety: Graphene heating films are 100% safe, unlike other electric heating films that may have safety hazards.

To better understand why graphene films are safe, let’s compare them with other electric heating films, focusing on carbon-based heating films.

Carbon Fiber Heating Films

1. Low safety: Flammable and prone to breaking.
2. Fragility: Internal fiber strands can easily snap.
3. Uneven temperature: Difficult to control.
4. Not waterproof: Susceptible to damage from moisture.
5. Chemical sensitivity: Poor resistance to acids and alkalis.
6. Poor creep resistance: Less durable over time.

Carbon Crystal Heating Films

1. Aging issues: Significant reduction in heating efficiency over time.
2. Delamination risk: Carbon particles and adhesives can separate.
3. Toxic emissions: Release harmful gases.
4. Electrical hazards: Risk of voltage breakdown and leakage.
5. Short lifespan: Limited durability.

Carbon-Based Ink Heating Films

1. Toxic emissions: Potential release of harmful substances.
2. Cracking: Prone to cracks.
3. Insulation failure: Bubbling can cause insulation layers to peel off.
4. Chemical sensitivity: Poor resistance to acids and alkalis.
5. Electrical hazards: Risk of burning due to voltage breakdown.

Graphene Heating Films

1. Safety and Environmental Friendliness: Non-flammable and safe for use.
2. Flexibility and Transparency: Can be integrated into various applications.
3. Uniform Temperature Distribution: Easy to control and maintain.
4. Waterproof and Corrosion-Resistant: Durable against environmental factors.
5. High Pressure and Weather Resistance: Stands up to extreme conditions.
6. High Stability: Reliable performance over time.

Graphene heating films are the only type that consists purely of carbon atoms without other additives. They are created through chemical vapor deposition and are characterized by their flexibility and safety. Among all electric heating elements, graphene heating films have the highest or joint-highest electric-to-heat conversion efficiency, with nearly 100% of electrical energy converted to heat with minimal losses in other forms of energy, such as mechanical, light, or chemical energy.

Source: Graphene News