New Skoltech patent enables non-invasive, real-time monitoring of composite materials

Skoltech researchers from the Photonics Center's Laboratory of Nanomaterials have patented a new material monitoring technique which utilizes structures of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The technique, designed to be applicable to both current and future generations of polymer composites and nanocomposites, shows higher versatility and measurement range than currently used contemporary methods. It enables the development of "smart" parts equipped with a built-in self-diagnosis capability, eliminating the need for external sensors.

The innovation relies on the unique properties of fiber-like assemblies of single-walled carbon nanotubes. These structures exhibit exceptional sensitivity to changes in the polymer matrix, including variations in the concentration and dispersion of additives.

"Aligned fiber-like structures of single-walled carbon nanotubes are highly sensitive to polymeric material changes. They are also surprisingly sensitive to concentrations and dispersions of different kinds of additives within the polymer. We designed this technique based on these fiber properties, and can accurately detect dispersed particle concentration, material changes during manufacturing, and even material deformation and damage during final part application," said Research Scientist Hassaan Ahmad Butt, the lead author of the patent.

This embedded sensing capability addresses a key limitation in modern materials science. Existing monitoring methods, such as the use of aligned films or homogeneous dispersions, often lack the multifunctionality required for advanced composites.

"The carbon nanotube fibers here outperform current alternatives such as aligned films and homogeneous dispersions, which are unable to provide the multifunctionality required from current advanced and next-generation composites. The technique here provides information while the monitored material is being manufactured, as well as in the final part when it is applied in real life, without the need to remove the sensors themselves. No property loss of the monitored material takes place, and the sensor presence is essentially 'invisible'. This opens a whole new aspect of embedded sensor technology," commented Associate Professor Dmitry Krasnikov.

The patented technique is a direct result of the laboratory's focus on creating industrially applicable solutions using materials developed entirely in-house at Skoltech.

"The Laboratory of Nanomaterials remains focused on translating our research into industrially viable technological solutions. The technique developed here utilizes materials designed, synthesized and produced completely within Skoltech, and is part of a larger portfolio of multifunctional materials we are working on for our industrial partners. Self-sensing, heating and healing are just some of the avenues that we are pursuing with our single-walled carbon nanotubes and their structures," highlighted Professor Albert Nasibulin, the director of the Skoltech Photonics Center and the head of its Laboratory of Nanomaterials.

The development represents a significant step toward smarter, more reliable composite materials capable of self-diagnosis throughout their lifecycle, from production to real-world operation.

Provided by Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology