Development and implementation of screen printed flexible piezoelectric sensor-based PI/PZT composite for high temperature

Piezoelectric sensors, highly sensitive to stress and vibrations, are essential for detecting structural anomalies in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). They enhance the safety and durability of infrastructures across sectors like civil engineering and energy by enabling early detection of cracks, deformations, and corrosion. Ultrasound, a non-destructive method widely used in SHM, provides precise insights into internal defects without compromising structural integrity. This study addresses challenges such as sensor performance under extreme conditions and long-term degradation of piezoelectric properties. A high-temperature piezoelectric composite was developed using polyimide (PI) commercial ink with a low fraction of PZT particles. PI offers excellent thermal and mechanical properties, while PZT ensures suitability for high-temperature applications. The piezoelectric layer, adaptable to metallic or flexible polymeric substrates like Kapton, was tested under thermal stress. Initial results highlight its promising thermal performance and resistance to aging, demonstrating its potential for ultrasound-based SHM applications.