SensHealRecApp: Lightweight high-performance materials for self-sensing and self-healing structures with end-of-life recycling application - C-MAST [COMPETE2030-FEDER-00722200-16073-SensHealRecApp]

Publicações

Mechanical and Piezoresistive Sensing of GFRP Modified with MWCNTs under Monotonic and Cyclic Loading for Structural Health Monitoring

Publication . Limpo, Joana Valente; Pereira, João Pedro Nunes; Silva, Abílio Manuel Pereira da; Parente, João Miguel Nunes

Fiber-reinforced composites, specifically polymer fiber-reinforced composites, have gained increased popularity among scientists and engineers. This results from their optimized properties, including mechanical strength, reduced weight, low density, chemical inertness, freedom in design, and good response to fatigue, among many others. This is reflected in many sectors, including the aeronautical and aerospace fields, where these composites have been replacing the more traditional materials, like metal. However, despite all the advantages of composites, due to their nature, some behavioral aspects, especially damage-wise, are not fully understood, hindering their use for certain functions. One of those functions is the structural health monitoring of components, which goal is to have components and structures be able of in situ monitor of their own condition, without the disadvantages of embedded sensors. With this in mind, this study analyzed the impact of the addition of varying carbon nanotube concentrations, 0.3 wt% and 0.4 wt% MWCNTs, to find an optimized concentration for better piezoresistive properties. Beyond that, the 0.3 wt% and 0.4 wt% MWCNT-reinforced laminates were subjected to multiple flexural tests, from monotonic to cyclic, and with increased deformation, to mimic possible in service conditions and preview their possible behavior under each situation. SEM imaging was done post testing, to link the mechanical and electrical data obtained with the damage suffered by the specimens. Overall, the results pointed to better mechanical properties for the samples with 0.3 wt% nanotubes, which can be a sign of poor interface properties for the higher nanoparticle concentration. On the other hand, the electrical data concluded the samples with 0.4 wt% MWCNT were the most sensitive and presented more stable results. In summary, by adding carbon nanotubes to the glass-fiber-reinforced laminates, it was possible to create a material with self-sensing capabilities, and real-time monitoring of the structure was achieved. The mechanical data reinforced the importance of manufacturing and dispersion processes, especially with increasing nanoparticle concentrations and the electrical resistance results concluded there is a relation between a material’s damage and electrical signal.

2025-11-25Dissertação de mestrado

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Descrição

O SensHealRecApp desenvolve compósitos estruturais inovadores com capacidade de auto-sensorização e auto-reparação. Foca-se na economia circular: no fim de vida, estes materiais são reciclados e integrados em misturas betuminosas (asfalto), aumentando a durabilidade das estradas. Visa aplicações nos setores automóvel, aeroespacial e construção, promovendo a sustentabilidade e a redução de emissões. Entidade Beneficiária: Desenvolvido na Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), especificamente no Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Mecânicas e Aeroespaciais (C-MAST).

Palavras-chave

Composites Structures
Self-Sensing
Self-Healing
Recycling
Reuse
Bituminous Asphalt
Circular Economy

Entidade financiadora

União Europeia

Programa de financiamento

COMPETE 2030

Número da atribuição

COMPETE2030-FEDER-00722200-16073-SensHealRecApp