Transparent and flexible heaters using plasma polymer fluorocarbon/silver bilayer thin films

In this study, a transparent and flexible heater is fabricated using plasma polymer fluorocarbon (PPFC)/silver (Ag) bilayer thin films. Compared with polymer/metal/polymer trilayer thin film structures, the polymer/metal bilayer thin film structure allows a simple process while improving the optical transmittance in the visible light range. The optimized PPFC/Ag bilayer thin film demonstrates an optical transmittance of 0.80 at a wavelength of 440 nm, a sheet resistance of 6.67 Ω·sq^–1, and a deionized water contact angle of 103.44°. Results from various mechanical flexibility tests indicate that the heater can be used in flexible and rollable devices without severe performance degradation. This study provides insights into the use of transparent and flexible heaters in the exterior walls of buildings, flexible devices, and automobile glasses for preventing frosting and fogging.