Aragonese researchers work on intelligent materials that detect their own cracks

Itainnova is developing a project that seeks to avoid accidents, high failure costs and extend the life of products in various sectors such as aeronautics, nautical and automotive.

The Technological Institute of Aragon, Itainnova, works on the development of intelligent materials that are capable of detecting their own cracks to avoid accidents, high failure costs and extend the life of products.

As reported by this center attached to the Department of Science, University and Knowledge Society of the Government of Aragon, finding these tiny cracks is a complex and critical inspection operation when verifying the structural health of components in various sectors such as aeronautics, nautical and automotive. .

Within the European Smartfan project, in which Itainnova participates as a member of the consortium, multifunctional materials with intelligent self-sensing and even self-repair properties are being investigated.

How is this objective achieved? The first step is to design a material, which in this case is a matrix to which robust and compatible polymeric microcapsules are incorporated.

In the process of damage or crack formation, the microcapsules break and release the content inside, which is a fluorescent compound.

By applying a conventional ultraviolet (UV) lamp at a short distance from the material, it is possible to inspect the integrity of the surface and visually detect microcracks that would otherwise be invisible to the eye.

The evolution of these cracks can lead to catastrophic events, so their early detection using non-destructive evaluation techniques can save costs and reduce the contamination associated with these materials.

Furthermore, early detection is crucial to ensure the reliability of the material, as well as facilitating its premature repair, before irreparable damage occurs that requires replacement of parts.