Fabrication of multifunctional composites with aerosol-jet printed strain sensors

Da Zhao, Tao Liu, Richard Liang, Ben Wang, Jen Ming Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Traditional multifunctional composite structures are produced by embedding parasitic parts, such as foil sensors, optical fibers and bulky connectors. As a result, the mechanical properties of the composites, especially the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), could be largely undermined. In the present study, we demonstrated an innovative aerosol-jet printing technology for printing electronics inside composite structures without degrading the mechanical properties. Using the maskless fine feature deposition (below 10μm) characteristics of this printing technology and a pre-cure protocol, strain sensors were successfully printed onto carbon fiber prepregs to enable fabricating composites with intrinsic sensing capabilities. The degree of pre-cure of the carbon fiber prepreg on which strain sensors were printed was demonstrated to be critical. Without pre-curing, the printed strain sensors were unable to remain intact due to the resin flow during curing. The resin flow-induced sensor deformation can be overcome by introducing 10% degree of cure of the prepreg. In this condition, the fabricated composites with printed strain sensors showed almost no mechanical degradation (short beam shearing ILSS) as compared to the control samples. Also, the failure modes examined by optical microscopy showed no difference. The resistance change of the printed strain sensors in the composite structures were measured under a cyclic loading and proved to be a reliable mean strain gauge factor of 2.2±0.06 which is comparable to commercial foiled metal strain gauge.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSAMPE Tech 2011 Conference and Exhibition
Subtitle of host publicationDeveloping Scalable Materials and Processes for Our Future
StatePublished - 2011
EventSAMPE Tech 2011 Conference and Exhibition: Developing Scalable Materials and Processes for Our Future - Fort Worth, TX, United States
Duration: 17 Oct 201120 Oct 2011

Publication series

NameInternational SAMPE Technical Conference

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE Tech 2011 Conference and Exhibition: Developing Scalable Materials and Processes for Our Future
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityFort Worth, TX
Period17/10/1120/10/11

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