CNTs Identify and Mend Structural Cracks
24 November 2007, 14:50
Categories: nanotubes-wires-fullerenes sensors
The catastrophic failure of structural components is usually due to cracks that propagate under cyclic loading. Now researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a simple technique that uses carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the detection and repair of cracks in polymer composites used for structural applications. With CNTs immersed in epoxy resin, they’ve formed a network that will have its conductivity affected by cracks that emerge in the material. “The beauty of this method is that carbon nanotubes are everywhere. The sensors are actually an internal part of the structure, which allows you to monitor any part of the structure,” notes Nikhil Koratkar of RPI. It is also possible to use the CNTs to melt regions of the polymer composite to mend cracks.
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Posted by: The Editors
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