Stress Chromic Polymeric Coatings for Visual Detection of Overstress Conditions

目标是开发一系列液晶（LC）应力铬涂层，用于快速识别基础设施组件（如高速公路桥梁）的过度应力条件。这些涂层在受到应力/应变时改变颜色。一旦消除应力/应变，材料就可以恢复原来的颜色，或者颜色变化可以持续数周。二乙炔液晶聚合物由于其应力铬特性而成为首选材料。这种涂层的发展将使材料应力水平的视觉检测变得容易，并允许更准确地识别结构中的缺陷（裂缝）。早期发现应降低维护和修理的成本，并确保结构的安全。＊＊＊

9713954 Mullen The objective is to develop a series of liquid crystalline (LC) stress chromic coatings for rapid identification of over-stress conditions in the components of the infrastructure, such as highway bridges. These coatings change color when subjected to stress/strain. The material can be formulated to return to the original color once the stress/strain is removed, or the color change can remain for weeks. Diacetylene liquid crystalline polymers are the materials of choice because of their stress chromic properties. The development of this coating will allow the easy visual detection of stress levels in a material and allow a more accurate identification of flaws (cracks) in structures. Early detection should reduce the cost of maintenance and repair and ensure safe structures. ***