Scale-up and field-testing of graphene-based end-of-life sensors for fire-protective fabrics

Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect ours. Their protective clothing is critical to allow them performing their duties while remaining safe. Unfortunately, the performance of their protective clothing degrades over time as it is exposed to high heat, UV light, moisture, launderings, etc., which raises serious safety concerns for firefighters and other people exposed to heat and flame. A graphene-based end-of-life sensor for fire-protective fabrics has been developed to solve this issue. It includes a conductive track deposited on a sacrificial polymer. The firefighter can monitor the condition of their garment using a simple multimeter. This project will see the scale-up of the sensor manufacturing process and its field-testing at a firefighter training center. This sensor is a major breakthrough in terms of safety for workers potentially exposed to heat and flame and an opportunity of new product development for the industry partner.

Faculty Supervisor:

Patricia Dolez;Jane Batcheller

Student:

Partner:

Davey Textile Solutions Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Alberta

Program: