Monitoring of the heating rate of a motorized gear system using UV-curable resin containing Y2WO6:Yb3+-Er3+ up-converting nanoparticles as optical temperature sensor

Abstract

The ability to create various three-dimensional objects and precisely deposited layers has enabled manufacturers using UV-curable resins to produce customized and complex composite parts with greater efficiency and precision. There are many products used in this photo-induced solidification process, and one of them is a mixture of organic compounds forming a resin, which is cured using ultraviolet light to achieve the desired final hardness. In addition, the combination of this resin with innovative materials has led to the creation of interesting elements with a wide variety of applications. For this reason, this work describes the implementation of lanthanide-based luminescent nanoparticles Y2WO6 doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ and admixed in a resin, for deposition on a metallic gear surface via painting and UV curing. The as-prepared luminescent gears start to generate heat due to the occurrence of mechanical friction when they start to work. Analyzing the ratio between the thermalized Er3+ emissions at 525 nm (2H11/2 → 4I15/2) and 550 nm (4S3/2 → 4I15/2) we could remotely detect small temperature variations that gears undergo through friction. This technique is especially useful in monitoring temperature in elements where measurements with thermographic cameras or with direct contact is inaccurate or is not possible. This work can open new horizons in monitoring of heat flow in various scientific and industrial processes, utilizing the benefits of non-invasive temperature detection via luminescence thermometry technique.