Project description
A novel composite ink could lead to highly sensitive industrial strain gauges
A conductor’s resistance is related to its length and cross-sectional area. Any external force on a conductor that changes its size and shape also changes its resistance. Strain gauges harness this relationship to determine parameters like force, pressure and tension that result in a readable voltage change directly related to the resistance change. The EU-funded Print-SENSE project will develop an advanced printable ink combining graphene and a very flexible silicon polymer that will have unique electromechanical properties. It could enable a 50-fold increase in sensitivity compared to current strain gauge devices. The project will prototype the technology and develop a market plan.
Objective
Strain gauges are devices that are used to measure a variety of forces. The broad nature of these devices means that they have applications in industries ranging from construction and aerospace to medical and automotive fields. Our project looks to develop a new approach to strain sensing devices by utilizing the unique properties of nanomaterial based composites. Through the expertise gained through the previously awarded ERC FUTURE-PRINT grant we look to develop the next generation of commercial strain sensing technology. The invention described is an ink blend consisting of a polymer (PDMS) and a nanomaterial (graphene) deposited to form a flexible, polymer-nanomaterial composite film with unique electro-mechanical properties suitable for high performance strain sensing applications This ink can be deposited using a variety of printing methods (screen printing, aerosol and mechanical deposition) resulting, once the ink dries, in the formation of a flexible, polymer-nanomaterial composite film which is extremely sensitive to any external forces - ~ 50 x more sensitive than standard industry strain gauges. We have started the patent process to establish the technology and underlying processes as the IP of the inventors and Trinity College Dublin. This IP would form the basis of an eventual spin-out launched by inventors should the application to the ERC PoC be successful. The objectives necessary to achieve this are the identification of an appropriate market based on the unique selling points of our technology, developing a prototype to be tested in real world applications, engage industry and take the further necessary steps towards commercialization. To accomplish these objectives, we have established an experienced team of researchers, IP/tech transfer and commercialization specialists with a prior track record of working effectively and efficiently together in achieving the outlined objectives in the area of research commercialization.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-PoC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
D02 CX56 Dublin
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.