Transparent conductive far-infrared radiative film based on cotton pulp (CP) with carbon fiber (CF) in agriculture greenhouse

There are many types of transparent conductive films, the most common made by depositing indium-tin-oxide (ITO) on ultra-thin glass substrate by physical or chemical methods. ITO films are good conductor of electricity, achieving low resistivity of 10−4 Ω cm which is similar to metal. This however results in high power dissipation rate of 1500–6000W/m2 when connected to 220–240V, which results in high surface temperatures of 300–1000 °C. In this study, a transparent conductive film is developed specifically for agriculture heating, application of mercerization of CP-CF film (mixed conductive carbon fiber (CF) with cotton pump (CP) substrate), and depositing acrylics. For suitability in agricultural heating, the resistivity is designed to be around 40–50 Ω mm, which is much higher than typical ITO films. The newly developed CP-CF transparent film has an average Edge-to-Edge Resistance of 545.65Ω, light transmittance of 67.9% and has a heating capability of 88.70 W/m2 via far-infrared light. The film has improved light transmittance and is suitable for deployment as part of the retaining structure of agricultural greenhouses as it allows adequate sunlight penetration for the necessary photosynthesis of crops. The analysis evidence showed promising result and can solve the long-term problems of agriculture in seasonable regions such as northern China during the winter. The developed CP-CF film conveys improved energy efficient replacement to conventional greenhouse control to meet the optimal light transmittance and required temperature needs for of crop growth.