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
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialstwo-dimensional nanostructuresgraphene
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcomposites
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
D02 CX56 DUBLIN 2
Ireland