Enhancing Smart Sensor Tag Sensing Performance-Based on Modified Plasma-Assisted Electrochemical Exfoliated Graphite...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Water penetration in concrete structures can lead to steel reinforcement corrosion.
• Reliable seepage sensing is crucial for structural integrity and maintenance planning.
• Existing methods may lack the practicality and sensitivity required for effective monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel seepage sensing technology for concrete structures.
• To compare the performance of a modified smart tag with standard RFID tags.
• To assess the efficacy of modified plasma-assisted electrochemical exfoliated graphite (MPGE) nanosheets in seepage detection.

Main Methods:

• A modified plasma-assisted electrochemical exfoliated graphite (MPGE) nanosheet smart tag was developed.
• Comparative performance testing of standard and modified RFID smart tags was conducted.
• Seepage was simulated in cracked concrete samples, with tag performance evaluated based on sensor code and frequency.

Main Results:

• The modified smart tag with 3% MPGE and a crosslinking agent demonstrated superior sensitivity.
• 3D segregated structures on the smart tag's sensing area significantly improved seepage detection sensitivity.
• The MPGE-based smart tag outperformed other nanosheet compositions in sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The developed MPGE nanosheet smart tag is a promising technology for sensitive seepage detection in concrete.
• This novel non-destructive test method is expected to benefit structural health monitoring.
• The enhanced sensitivity offers a practical solution for preventing concrete structure failure due to water ingress.