Premium
PVC formulation study for the manufacturing of a skin smart structure based in optical fiber elements
Author(s) -
Ferreira da Silva Alexandre,
Goncalves Filipe,
Mateus Mendes Paulo,
Higino Correia Jose
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1855
Subject(s) - fabrication , materials science , fiber , optical fiber , coating , displacement (psychology) , smart material , mechanical engineering , nanotechnology , computer science , composite material , engineering , telecommunications , medicine , psychology , alternative medicine , pathology , psychotherapist
The development of smart solutions based on optical fiber technology for any kind of structure such as buildings, aircrafts, or even for human body kinematics, is becoming more and more common. The ability to provide coverings for different structures that can enable monitoring functions beside the esthetic purpose of the covering is an important add‐value characteristic. Nevertheless, an open issue is to find an effective solution for the fabrication and application procedure, preferably that scales at a production level. This article explores the insertion of optical fibers into polymeric PVC foils based on the spread‐coating fabrication process. The success of this integration approach allows the use of photonic technology in different fields with minor application issues. The material choice for the substrate is a crucial step when choosing integrated solution. Three PVC paste formulations were explored in order to guarantee the optimal integration of optical fiber. A high‐viscosity and not monolithic paste formulation emerged as the best choice. This formulation provided the best adhesion, reducing in great scale the surface undulation and paste displacement that the optical fiber tends to do and, its 362% stretch capability is sufficient for special applications, as strain sensitive one. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.