In the realm of intelligent building structures, a groundbreaking study led by Lyubov N. Lisienkova from the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering has shed new light on the electrical conductivity of nanocoatings. Published in the journal ‘Нанотехнологии в строительстве’ (Nanotechnologies in Construction), this research could revolutionize the way we design and implement flexible, electrically conductive elements in buildings, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The study focuses on the behavior of flexible elements made from various materials, such as films, papers, and geotextiles, coated with an electrically conductive coating containing carbon nanoparticles. These elements are crucial for creating intelligent structures that can adapt and respond to their environment. However, until now, there have been no objective methods to evaluate their behavior throughout their life cycle.
Lisienkova and her team set out to change that. They tested samples under cyclic multi-axial stretching conditions, measuring strain, thickness, and electrical resistance after each stretch. The results were compelling. “The irreversible part of deformation of the sample ranged from 8% to 75%, while thickness varied from 6% to 100% depending on the structure of materials,” Lisienkova explained. Electrical resistance ranged from 25 Ohms to 5 KOhms, depending on test parameters and composition of coating-substrate composite.
The study found a strong correlation between electrical resistivity and sample deformation, with a correlation coefficient ranging between 0.6 and 0.78. This correlation was used to derive empirical equations that can predict the reliability of flexible, electrically conductive elements under cyclic stretching conditions, simulating real-world operating conditions.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. Intelligent buildings equipped with these flexible, electrically conductive elements could significantly improve energy efficiency. For instance, they could enable dynamic insulation systems that adjust to external temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling. They could also facilitate advanced monitoring systems that predict and prevent structural issues, saving on maintenance costs.
Moreover, the study recommends nonwoven fabrics and fabrics with a thickness of 0.5–0.7 mm for use as flexible electrically conducting elements. This recommendation could guide manufacturers in producing materials that are not only cost-effective but also reliable and durable.
As we look to the future, this research could shape the development of intelligent building structures. It provides a method for objectively assessing changes in the properties of electrically conductive components, ensuring their reliability and longevity. This could pave the way for more innovative and efficient building designs, benefiting both the construction industry and the energy sector.
In the words of Lisienkova, “This method is recommended for objective assessment of changes in the properties of these components in intelligent building structures.” With such a robust method at our disposal, the possibilities are endless.