International. An innovative , low-cost smart paint that can detect microscopic faults in wind turbines, mines and bridges before structural damage occurs is being developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde Glasgow.
Environmentally friendly paint uses nanotechnology to detect movement in extensive structures.
The study indicates that traditional methods for the evaluation of paints are complex, time-consuming and use a lot of instrumentation. While smart paints have a lower cost and can be sprayed on any surface with electrodes that detect damage before it occurs.
The paint is formed using a recycled waste product known as fly ash and highly aligned carbon nanotubes. When mixed, they have a cement-like property that makes it useful in harsh environments.
In this regard, Dr. Mohamed Saafi, from the Departmental University of Civil Engineering, commented that "the monitoring process effectively involves a network of wireless sensors. The paint is connected to wireless communications nodes, with energy harvesting and alert capability to detect any damage at a distance such as a micro-crack in a concrete base of the wind turbine."
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