Recent Progress in Screen-Printed Smart Skin for Real-Time Load Detection in Structures

Abstract

Civil engineering is constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance the monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure. This is because traditional monitoring methods are often costly and time-consuming due to the use of multiple devices and manual inspections. Carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer based self-sensing composites provide an innovative approach for structural health monitoring. Among these, composites fabricated using screen-printing techniques also offer the advantages of being cost-effective and suitable for mass production. In this study, we will manufacture a smart skin as a novel detection material for structural health monitoring by screenprinting CNT/polyurethane (PU) ink. The authors report on the optimized screenprinting design for the smart skin based on electrical characteristics and optical microscopy analysis for different mesh counts. Moreover, we investigate the electromechanical response of carbon nanotube-reinforced composite materials under impact loadings. Finally, we will present a new sensing system by applying the smart skin in a grid pattern to the structure, enabling the detection of various impacts. This innovative approach allows for the development of a versatile sensing system that can monitor and identify different types of impacts on the structure.