Functionalization of Stretchable Networks with Sensors and Switches for Composite Materials

An investigation was performed to develop appropriate techniques to design and fabricate (using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor/micro-electro-mechanical systems technologies) highly stretchable networks of distributed sensors and organic diodes that could be stretched, and surface-mounted or embedded into polymeric materials to cover an area several orders of magnitude larger than its original size. Both analysis and experiments were performed to validate the design and fabrication methods. The techniques sought to reduce stresses due to network expansion, and a new spin-coated fabrication process was developed to enable high-resolution features in the network. Networks with temperature sensors and piezoelectric sensors were fabricated and tested to demonstrate functionality in advanced composite materials that are common in aircraft.