An implantable, compatible and networkable nanocomposite piezoresistive sensor for in situ acquisition of dynamic responses of CFRPs. (26th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Yiyin; Yang, Jianwei; Liao, Yaozhong; Zhou, Pengyu; Xu, Lei; Zhou, Li-min; Su, Zhongqing
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 208(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-26
• Subjects: CFRPs -- Structural health monitoring -- Implantable nanocomposite sensor -- Piezoresistive sensor -- Guided ultrasonic waves; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108747
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: When sensors are embedded in composites for structural integrity monitoring (SIM), the sensors per se, unfortunately, degrade the original integrity of host composites. Envisaging such deficiency and facilitated by advances in nanotechnology, we develop a new type of ultrathin, piezoresistive sensors using spraying coating and nanocomposites formulated with graphene nanoplatelets/polyvinylpyrrolidone. The sensors are deposited on dielectric membranes made of partially pre-cured B-stage epoxy films, electrified using carbon nanotube film (CNT-film)-made wires, and implanted in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs), to form a sensor network. Only ~45 μm thick (including wires), the implanted sensors exhibit high compatibility and nonintrusive attributes with CFRPs, enabling composites to perceive broadband signals in situ, ranging from static strain (with a high gauge factor of 34.5) to structure-guided ultrasonic waves up to 450 kHz – the first time that piezoresistive sensors implanted in CFRPs respond to dynamic strains in such a broad frequency band. CFRPs with implanted sensor networks are endowed with capacity of in situ SIM, yet not compromising their original integrity. With remarkably reduced intrusion to composites – as proven in tensile and bending tests, the developed sensors outperform prevailing sensors for SIM of composites such as lead zirconate titanate-based sensors. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: An additive manufacturing-facilitated approach to fabricate nanocomposite sensors. An implantable sensor responsive to broadband signals from static load-induced strain ( GF =34.5) to waves of 450 kHz. Lightweight, flexible, and ultrathin, sensors to be deployed in a large quantity to configure a dense sensor network. High compatibility and nonintrusive attributes with CFRPs. CFRPs with implanted sensor networks capable of in situ structural integrity monitoring.