Embedded Pt-PVDF sensor without compromising mechanical properties of GFRP for on-line sensing

A wide variety of embedded sensors are currently used for structural health monitoring of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. However, some studies showed the sensor embedding scarified the mechanical performance; several studies showed less influence on static performance but not embedded in the maximum stress area. In this work, we designed an embedded sensor without scarifying static and fatigue mechanical performances of the composites based on the flexible piezoelectric film-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Moreover, the sensor in-situ monitored the damage and fatigue evolution successfully until the specimens failed. The PVDF sensor in this work provides a reliable alternative for GFRP in structural health monitoring.

Automated summary

A wide range of embedded sensors is currently used to monitor the structural health of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. However, some studies have shown that embedding the sensors compromises the mechanical performance, while several studies have demonstrated minimal influence on static performance but not when embedded in the maximum stress area. This study presents the design of an embedded sensor based on a flexible piezoelectric film-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) that does not sacrifice the static and fatigue mechanical performance of the composites. The PVDF sensor successfully monitors damage and fatigue evolution until failure, providing a reliable alternative for GFRP in structural health monitoring.