The FFG funded project i³Sense stands for “Intelligent, integrated and impregnated cellulose-based sensor for reliable biobased structures”. In collaborative research with company partners and universities, the consortium develops sustainable sensor technologies that monitor humidity, strain, crack propagation for biobased, hygroscopic load-bearing materials and the curing behavior of adhesives and thermosets.
Wood as intelligent moisture sensor
Traditional methods for measuring moisture and temperature in wood, use sensor systems that are attached externally to the material surface. The actual moisture content is then determined indirectly by unsustainable materials and processing methods. There is the need for precise, efficient and environmentally friendly sensor technology. This can be solved with laser-induced graphitization (LIG) to transform wood into an active sensor material by making it electrically conductive. Subsequent laser ablation allows scalable and complex sensor designs, such as interdigital electrodes, to be embedded directly into the wood surface. These electrodes, with a size of only 250-300 µm, enable capacitive cyclic moisture measurements with sufficient accuracy.
Further information can be found here