Strain Sensing Coatings for Large Composite Structures Based on 2D MXene Nanoparticles | JoVE Visualize

Strain Sensing Coatings for Large Composite Structures Based on 2D MXene Nanoparticles

Gediminas Monastyreckis¹, Anastasiia Stepura², Yaryna Soyka²

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu St. 56, 51424 Kaunas, Lithuania.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)|April 3, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A novel strain-sensing coating using 2D MXene nanoparticles was developed for composite structures. This lightweight, scalable coating shows promising electromechanical response and adhesion for real-time structural health monitoring.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Composite Materials

Background:

Real-time strain monitoring of large composite structures like wind turbine blades demands scalable, lightweight, and easily processable sensors.
Existing sensor technologies may not meet the requirements for large-scale applications due to limitations in processability, weight, or scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel strain-sensing coating based on 2D MXene nanoparticles for monitoring composite structures.
To investigate the properties, adhesion, stability, and electromechanical response of the MXene coating under various conditions.

Main Methods:

Titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tz) MXene nanoparticles were synthesized via acid and lithium fluoride etching.
Epoxy and glass fiber-reinforced composites were spray-coated with an MXene water solution.
Morphology, roughness, ambient condition response, adhesion, stability, and electromechanical behavior under tensile and cyclic loading were analyzed.

Main Results:

The MXene coating exhibited stable electrical resistance across temperature variations but responded to UV light (301-365 nm).
A gauge factor of 10.88 was achieved at 4% strain.
After 21,650 cycles, a 16.25% increase in permanent resistance was observed, yet the strain response remained stable.

Conclusions:

MXene-based nanocoatings offer processability, scalability, lightweight properties, and good adhesion for large composite structures.
The study provides crucial insights into MXene coating sensitivity to roughness and electromechanical behavior under cyclic loading, essential for future development.
This novel coating presents a viable solution for real-time strain monitoring in demanding structural applications.