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Comprehensive Optical Strain Sensing Through the Use of Colloidal Quantum Dots.
Michael D Sherburne1, Candice R Roberts2, John S Brewer2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Dayton, Ohio 45433, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 3, 2020
Summary
Colloidal quantum dots in a polymer act as an optical strain gauge for nondestructive testing. This novel technique shows promise for monitoring structures, especially in harsh environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) exhibit unique optical properties sensitive to mechanical strain.
- Nondestructive testing (NDT) requires advanced techniques for structural health monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of InP/ZnS colloidal quantum dots within a polymer matrix as an optical strain gauge for NDT.
- To evaluate the correlation between optically measured strain and mechanically measured stress-strain data.
Main Methods:
- InP/ZnS CQDs were incorporated into a polymer matrix.
- The polymer-CQD composite was applied to an epoxy-coated dog-bone foil specimen.
- Optical strain measurements were correlated with mechanical stress-strain data using an empirical formula and calibration factor.
Main Results:
- A close correlation was observed between calculated optical strain and reference mechanical stress-strain data.
- Observed fluctuations in optical strain may be attributed to unmeasured strain responses and quantum dot blinking.
Conclusions:
- The developed polymer-CQD composite serves as a viable optical strain gauge for NDT applications.
- This novel optical NDT technique is suitable for various structures, particularly those in demanding environments.
