Delamination detection with carbon nanotube thread in self-sensing composite materials

Laminated composite materials can reach high mechanical properties at low weight. Composite materials, however, are susceptible to damage due to their low interlaminar mechanical properties and poor heat and charge transport in the transverse direction to the laminate. Moreover, methods to inspect and ensure the reliability of composites are expensive and labor intensive. Recently carbon nanotube forests were spun into thread that is tough and electrically conductive. The thread was integrated into composite materials and used for the first time as a sensor to monitor strains and detect damage including delamination in the material. These self-sensing composites were found to be very sensitive to damage and will help to revolutionize the maintenance of composite structures, which will now be based on their condition and not their amount of use. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.