Project Abstract

Graphene is known to have a high specific surface area and excellent thermal/electrical conductivity, which sees itself in applications such as wearable electronics and energy storage. Recently, a graphenic nano-material called laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been widely investigated due to its easy, cost-effective and scalable synthesis. LIG is produced through a one-step laser treatment of commercial polyimide (PI) film substrate under an ambient atmosphere.

However, the potential of LIG for use in technological applications is limited by its weak adhesion to the PI substrates. In order to realise the full potential of LIG, it is necessary to preserve the LIG flakes’ connectivity and robustness. One way is to infuse it with other materials such as plastic and rubber. In this project, we propose to embed LIG in fibre-reinforced composites as smart sensors for health monitoring.

The excellent thermal and electrical conductivity of LIG offers an extremely versatile and wide-range sensing platform which can be exploited to detect various physical quantities in a composite structure, such as moisture uptake, strain/stress, damage area, fatigue crack propagation, etc.

The scope of the project includes: (1) optimisation of the sensitivity of LIG’s properties to the external environment, (2) integration of LIG in fibre-reinforced composites, and (3) testing and validation of the sensing system at the component level.

Entry Requirements

A first-class bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent), OR
a master’s degree (or its international equivalent), in mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering or in physical sciences.

1. Proven track record in planning and conducting detailed experiments.

2. Experience in computer modelling and coding, such as Python or Matlab.