The Skoltech Laboratory of Nanomaterials, along with the Institute’s Hierarchically Structured Materials Laboratory and Materials Center, have proposed a novel dual-stage monitoring technique for multifunctional polymer nanocomposites. The study, published in the Carbon journal, describes how nanomaterials at different size scales can be synergistically combined to monitor advanced materials both during their manufacturing and application. The technique has the potential to streamline manufacturing and property tracking, as well as provide information on material health status during application, all while causing no mechanical property loss to the host material.

“Advanced composite monitoring currently relies on techniques which are either specialized for material manufacturing or application stages. They are often not interchangeable, and we wanted to essentially positively disrupt the way things are done for nanocomposites. We came up with a facile and versatile technique to streamline the process for both stages using a single step, with exceptional suitability for next-generation multifunctional nanocomposites,” said Research Scientist Hassaan Ahmad Butt from the Laboratory of Nanomaterials and lead author of the study.

Assistant Professor Dmitry Krasnikov, the co-supervisor of the work, commented, “The idea behind the work was to design a materials-based monitoring technique, which prepares the field for coming industrial products. I believe old monitoring techniques, such as interlayers and embedded devices, have just lost a significant part of their relevance. By simply placing carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) into the nanocomposites during their manufacturing, we are able to monitor the entire production process and variables. The CNTFs don’t need to be removed since they cause no change in mechanical performance and can be utilized to provide information on material damage, strain, and a host of other factors during their service life.”

Professor Albert Nasibulin, the head of the Laboratory of Nanomaterials, elaborated on how such state-of-the-art nanomaterials and technologies are developed at his lab, “Our aim has always been to develop nanomaterials and their technologies which are practically applicable and attractive for the industry. The single-walled carbon nanotube fiber manufacturing technology was home grown in our lab, as are the nanocomposite production routes. This publication showcases how we combine our strengths with our national and international academic partners to come up with cutting-edge technology, which can easily be scaled-up and applied.”