Nanocomposite Sensors for Monitoring Structural Health in Polymer Sandwich Composites

Abstract

This preliminary study evaluated printed conductive meshes as embedded sensors for damage detection in polymer sandwich composites. Meshes based on thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoplastic copolyamide were placed in three positions. Electrical measurements were combined with impact testing, ultrasonic inspection, active thermography, and optical microscopy. Sensor response depended on mesh material and position. The thermoplastic polyurethane mesh was effective only at the core-laminate interface, whereas the copolyamide-based mesh showed thermal changes in all positions. Surface-mounted meshes produced the smallest delamination areas. The results confirm the potential of conductive printed meshes for thermographic damage detection in sandwich composites.