Intelligent, integrated and impregnated cellulose-based sensors for reliable bio based structures

Reducing the carbon footprint of engineered structures across scales will be pivotal in mitigating the risks associated with global warming. Natural fibre reinforced composites, especially thermoset bonded compo¬sites (NFC) and load-bearing wood composites are a sustainable basis for a new gen-eration of high performance structural materials with environmental compatibility. Potential applica-tions are broad and span from automotive and construction industries to renewable energy produc-tion. Unresolved challen¬ges when applied in automobiles, wind turbines or buildings are exposure to extreme mechanical and thermal stresses and resulting damage, in many cases with catastrophic effects (shattering of wind turbine blades, collapse of statically important building parts or compo-nents in cars leading to traffic accidents). This makes early detec¬tion of excessive stress, the impact of minor imbalances created in the manufacturing process, mois¬ture absorption and the like a critical success factor. The aim of the project is to unlock the full potential of sustainable composites in a wide range of applications through smart, immersive and integrated sensor bodies and materials that utilise intrin-sic material properties where possible, enable predictive, long-term monitoring and thus provide safe alternatives to traditional, environmentally harmful systems.