Smart paint transforms structural safety

A smart paint made of recycled materials which can detect microscopic faults in wind turbines, mines and bridges long before structural damage occurs is being developed by Scottish researchers.

The environmentally-friendly paint – which uses fly ash and highly aligned carbon nanotubes – can be sprayed onto any surface. Once electrodes are attached to it, it can detect structural damage long before any failure occurs.

“The development of this smart paint technology could have far-reaching implications for the way we monitor the safety of large structures all over the world,” said Dr Mohammed Saafi from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Civil Engineering.

The paint – which costs just 1% of the alternative widely used in inspection methods – has a cement-like property, meaning it could prove to be particularly useful and durable in harsh environments. A prototype has been developed, and tests have shown it to be highly effective.

“The process of monitoring involves in effect a wireless sensor network,” said Saafi. “The paint is interfaced with wireless communication nodes with power harvesting and warning capability to remotely detect any unseen damage such as microcracks in wind turbine concrete foundations.

Saafi said wind turbine foundations are currently monitored through visual inspection, but the technology is restricted to looking at specific areas of a structure at any given time. However, the smart paint covers the whole structure and could maximise the opportunity of preventing significant damage. It could also reduce the maintenance costs and improve the safety of these large structures.

“There are no limitations as to where it could be used and the low-cost nature gives it a significant advantage over the current options available in the industry,” said Saafi. “The process of producing and applying the paint also gives it an advantage as no expertise is required and monitoring itself is straightforward.”