A nano-enabled structural GFRP composite for self-powered multi-sensing applications

• Multifunctional GFRP harvests thermal energy and enables self-powered sensing. • Sensitive and reliable SHM using TE output, eliminating need for external power. • Thermal and IR TE-based sensing, adaptable to different heat transfer mechanisms. • UV sensing through CNT excitation, functioning independently of TE effect. Composites are the most widely used structural material in fields where weight reduction is crucial, since they capitalize on high strength and stiffness together with low density. With growing concerns around sustainability and energy consumption, the next generation of advanced composites needs to incorporate additional functionalities. Hence, multifunctional composites emerge as a promising technological area, enabling the design of structures that are lighter, more efficient, and capable of performing multiple roles. This study introduces a nano-enabled structural glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite that exhibits self-powered multi-sensing capabilities, utilizing the Seebeck effect. The Thermal Energy Generator (TEG)-enabled laminate was designed with the scope of achieving specific output characteristics. The composite functioned as a power supply for the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of composite coupons with various electrical resistances, showcasing the dependency of the sensitivity on the TEG output characteristics. Additionally, it was able to respond to environmental stimuli, including temperature changes, infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making it a versatile tool for various sensing applications. Since the response was a generated electrical signal, the sensing process was inherently self-powered. The amalgamation of functionalities marks the first time where a single structural element simultaneously exhibits all those capabilities. This approach reveals enticing aspects for the development of smart composite structures.