UK developed a new smart coating

Scientists at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom have developed a new type of smart paint. This coating contains a fine piezoelectric crystal called PZT. When this crystal is stretched and squeezed, it generates an electrical signal that is proportional to the external force. By analyzing these electrical signals, one can understand The degree of fatigue of building materials.
Jacques Haer, who developed the paint, said that bridges and drilling rigs and other structures that generate fatigue cracks can cause catastrophic consequences. Therefore, timely monitoring of the degree of fatigue of building materials is of great significance to ensure building safety. In order to test the strain effect of this paint, in the experiment, Hale first applied a small piece of this paint to a piece of metal structure and then covered it with a conductive coating. He then applied a voltage to the coating that allowed the crystals in the coating to form the correct angle with the surface of the component so that the coating would produce a corresponding electrical signal no matter what direction the component was subjected to. Next, Hale added electrodes to conductive coatings and metal components. When he strikes a metal component, the electrical signal generated by the vibration of the component in the smart paint can be detected. The greater the knocking force, the stronger the electrical signal. Hale said that using traditional methods to detect component vibrations is not only troublesome, but also that the instrument settings are inaccurate and produce erroneous results. This new type of paint provides a simple and easy way to detect vibration of components.
The engineers and technicians can use this type of paint to calculate the fatigue of the components during the entire service life of the components, and not only to understand the quality of the components in a timely manner, but also to build lighter and lighter components. Cheaper, more elegant buildings.