2D-tech material as electrical insulation of carbon fibre

Important results from the project

One goal of the project was to be able to isolate carbon nanotube-based sensors in a carbon fiber environment so that they were not short-circuited after manufacturing the carbon fiber composite. This project goal was met even though the original plan with 2D-tech material did not provide sufficient insulation. The second goal was that a graphene-coated glass fiber fabric could be used as a strain and temperature sensor when embedded in composite materials. This objective was also fulfilled.

Expected long term effects

In the slightly longer term, the project results are expected to lead to carbon nanotube-based and/or graphene-based sensors being able to be built into the carbon fiber composite structure for structural health monitoring in aim to detect: - Damage growth in composite structures and/or glued structures - Prestressing of fasteners in joined composite structures - Residual stresses - Fatigue The deepened collaboration with the project´s SMEs is also a long-term effect.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out in the following stages: - Mapping of conceivable reinforcement structures - Coating with 2D-tech material for electrical insulation of carbon fiber - Conductive fiberglass surface coating - Manufacture of test objects - Measurement of functionality and evaluation of the ability of 2D-tech the layer as well as measurement of the sensor capability for strain and/or temperature for glass fiber with conductive coating. The project followed the plan.