Microwave Sensor for Mechanical Stress Measurement Based on Ferroelectric Graphene Nanosheet Composites

It was shown that composite materials based on Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3 (PZT) ferroelectric particles, covered with graphene nanosheets, can be used for wireless detection of force applied to those composites. Ferroelectric materials with their enhanced piezoelectric and emission properties are used in this case as electron sources. During the mechanical loading of composites so called ferroelectric emission (FEE) appears in form of shot impulses of electrons. The short electron impulses generate the intensive microwave impulses that can be detected by means of antenna. This composite could be used as sensor for wireless measurement of machinery components response on applied stress in the locations where the connection with cables is restricted.