CNT enabled fabric sensors for monitor resin infusion and curing of composites

High performance polymeric composites need to have built-in functionality to continually monitor and diagnose their own health states. In this work we present a novel strategy for in-situ monitoring the processing stages of composites by braiding CNT-coated fiber bundles into the fabric reinforcing layers. The CNT fabrics, assembled through by a cost-effective, swift and continuous dipping/drying method, are highly sensitive to monitor and quantify different events of composite manufacturing, including resin infusion, crosslinking, gelation, and degree of curing. By varying curing temperature and resin formulation, different curing kinetics can be accurately derived using the smart fabrics. More importantly, distribution of local information of the composites can also be achieved in real time upon wisely configuring a scalable sensor network. After manufacturing, the smart fabrics which are readily and non-invasively integrated into composites can provide life-long structural health monitoring of the composites, including detection of deformations and cracks.