Author(s)

J.M. Hale

Abstract

This paper describes the manufacture and testing of a novel strain transducer based on piezoelectric paint for use in structural vibration monitoring. This is a form of thick-film sensor, similar in structure to conventional thick-film sensors based on piezoelectric ink. However, the use of paint avoids two problems associated with the ink based manufacturing process: screen printing and high temperature curing. The materials selection and application techniques development are outlined for the three principal components of the transducer: the resin binder, the piezoelectric material and the electrode. The final design comprised a sprayable suspension of milled PZT powder in lacquer (the piezoelectric paint) with a gold

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