A Graphene Sensor for Defect Detection and Predictive Maintenance in Composite Materials (GRAPHOSITE)

"Defects can inadvertently be produced in composite materials either during the manufacturing process or during the normal service life of the component.

Some non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing and strain gauging exist for defect detection in composites. However, these have limitations (including cost) that have prevented them being used extensively. Notwithstanding, the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) UK Composites Strategy, insists that the UK needs to focus on advancing composites reliability and increase market share of existing sectors and ensure the use of composites in new sectors""

This project therefore seeks to develop GRAPHOSITE (A Graphene Sensor for Defect Detection and Predictive Maintenance in Composite Materials for use as a highly efficient, more convenient composite monitoring tool). Our technology will be based on an enhanced graphene-substrate interaction, with the ability to embed within a composite strucutre. The successful exploitation of the technology will result in cumulative revenue of £103m after 6 years in the market."