Embedded, Fully Spray-Coated Pressure Sensor Using a Capacitive Transducing Mechanism

Polymers (Basel). 2018 Aug 1;10(8):852. doi: 10.3390/polym10080852.

Abstract

Embedding functional sensor layers directly into mechanical systems in heavy-duty surroundings facilitate the real-time monitoring of the system's state. This work presents a fully-spray coated pressure sensor that is suitable for applications in the high pressure range. It is embedded into functionalized organic coatings that additionally act as a dielectric for the capacitive sensing mechanism. The sensitivity of the sensor, as well as its long-time stability, has been determined. Additionally, testing has been performed at elevated temperatures to determine the temperature dependent sensitivity that arises from the temperature dependence of the Young's moduli.

Keywords: additive manufacturing; capacitive; embedded; high pressure; high temperature; metal/organic; polymer composite; pressure sensor; spray-coated.