Development of far-infrared emitting functional wood via Co-doping of carbon nanotubes and nano-far-infrared ceramic powders for enhanced heating applications

Developed highly efficient heating products with a fast heating rate, high FIR emissivity, and stable heat generation have a wide range of applications. This study systematically investigates the effects of varying contents of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and far-infrared nanocomposites (FIR-NCP) on the performance of far-infrared electric wood (FIR-EW). The experimental results indicate that as the content of CNT and FIR-NCP increases, the temperature rise, FIR emissivity, electrical resistance, and weight gain rate of FIR-EW significantly improve. Notably, when CNT and FIR-NCP are added together, the FIR emissivity rapidly increases to 98–99 %. Under a voltage of 20 V, the temperature of FIR-EW rises quickly within 3 minutes, demonstrating excellent electric thermal conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that CNT and FIR-NCP are uniformly distributed within the wood matrix, forming an interconnected network that enhances the overall performance of the wood. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further confirms the changes in functional groups of the wood after chemical treatment, indicating that CNT, PPy, and FIR-NCP successfully bond with the wood substrate. The findings provide important theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the development of high-performance electric wood.