Fraunhofer IFAM: Self-monitoring plastic

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Material Research (IFAM) in Bremen have developed a new plastic-metal composite material with built in sensing capabilities that can be moulded or shaped using standard manufacturing techniques.

A wide range of plastics are suited as the matrix material for manufacturing this composite, which means that it can easily be tailor-made for a whole series of applications. The material can be easily processed, is lightweight and conducts current and heat very well.

Arne Haberkorn, project manager for composite developments at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Material Research, said the electrical resistance of the composite changes if it is stressed or overloaded. These signals can be transmitted and analysed to assess if parts, for example, plastic components of wind turbines, are becoming worn or damaged.

The researchers have developed various prototypes and are now searching for potential industrial users.