Developing Artificial Neurons Using Carbon Nanotubes Smart Composites

탄소나노튜브 스마트 복합소재를 이용한 인공뉴런 개발 연구

This paper introduces an artificial neuron which is a nano composite continuous sensor. The continuous nano sensor is fabricated as a thin and narrow polymer film sensor that is made of carbon nanotubes composites with a PMMA or a silicone matrix. The sensor can be embedded onto a structure like a neuron in a human body and it can detect deteriorations of the structure. The electrochemical impedance and dynamic strain response of the neuron change due to deterioration of the structure where the sensor is located. A network of the long nano sensor can form a structural neural system to provide large area coverage and an assurance of the operational health of a structure without the need for actuators and complex wave propagation analyses that are used with other methods. The artificial neuron is expected to effectively detect damage in large complex structures including composite helicopter blades and composite aircraft and vehicles.