Metal strain sensor based on resistive switching of a polymer coating

In thin films of poly(diphenylene phthalide), the effect of resistive switching is observed. The work shows that a change in the potential barrier of the polymer/metal interface can initiate this switching. It occurs with an increase in the degree of metal deformation, when the potential barrier of the interface decreases. An increase in the potential barrier of the interface leads to an increase in the impedance of the polymer film. In general, the change in impedance correlates with a change in the potential barrier of the interface. The work shows how this phenomenon can be used to create a metal strain sensor, as well as a device for non-destructive testing and signaling of a critical state of metal.