Performance Analysis of Embedded Mechanoluminescence-Perovskite Self-Powered Pressure Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring

Lucas Braga Carani,Chetanna Iwuagwu,Okenwa Izeji Okoli,Vincent Obiozo Eze

doi:10.3390/jcs4040190

Abstract

Recent developments in sensing technologies have triggered a lot of research interest in exploring novel self-powered, inexpensive, compact and flexible pressure sensors with the potential for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. Herein, we assessed the performance of an embedded mechanoluminescent (ML) and perovskite pressure sensor that integrates the physical principles of mechanoluminescence and perovskite materials. For a continuous in-situ SHM, it is crucial to evaluate the capabilities of the sensing device when embedded into a composite structure. An experimental study of how the sensor is affected by the embedment process into a glass fiber-reinforced composite has been conducted. A series of devices with and without ML were embedded within a composite laminate, and the signal responses were collected under different conditions. We also demonstrated a successful encapsulation process in order for the device to withstand the composite manufacturing conditions. The results show that the sensor exhibits distinct signals when subjected to different load conditions and can be used for the in-situ SHM of advanced composite structures.

Highlights

Composite materials have been attracting a lot of attention in industrial fields such as aeronautics, astronautics and automotive due to their improved strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion and fatigue [1]
The ML-perovskite pressure sensor exhibits the potential for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications [17]; the performance of the device remains relatively unexplored when embedded into a composite structure
This article investigated how the performance of the ML-perovskite device was affected by embedment in a glass fiber-reinforced composite

Summary

Introduction

Composite materials have been attracting a lot of attention in industrial fields such as aeronautics, astronautics and automotive due to their improved strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion and fatigue [1]. ML can be triggered by pressure, crushing, impact load or wind action [8,11] These materials can have many applications in stress sensing, dynamic pressure mapping, light sources or the detection of electric and magnetic fields [15,16]. Shohag et al demonstrated a flexible, self-powered ML pressure sensor by integrating zinc sulfide:copper (ZnS:Cu) embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a perovskite light-absorbing layer [8,17]. The ML-perovskite pressure sensor exhibits the potential for SHM applications [17]; the performance of the device remains relatively unexplored when embedded into a composite structure. This work shows that the study of the ML-perovskite sensor’s performance after embedment into a composite material creates new opportunities for future in-situ sensing based on mechanoluminescent sensor systems for SHM

Materials and Reagent

Device Fabrication

Device Architecture

Conclusions