Strain gauges fabricated by C+ ion implantation in bulk polymers

► Innovative strain gauges were fabricated by implantation of 100 keV C+ ions in bulk polymers at fluence of 3 × 1017 ions/cm2. ► A high sensitivity and a linear behavior of electrical resistance with surface load was noticed during mechanical tests. ► These strain gauges show significant advantages with respect to the conventional ones, because they are integrated in the component and show higher electrical resistance and good sensitivity. They can be used for in-service monitoring of the structural stability and mechanical strains of components.