Ni-P BASED UPCONVERSION SMART COATING LAYER WITH CORROSION, EROSION, WEAR, AND TEMPERATURE SENSING FUNCTIONS AND SENSING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes in real time, and a sensing system including the same. The coating layer according to the present invention incorporates upconversion particles into an electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) alloy matrix, thereby emitting visible light upon infrared (IR) irradiation to transmit damage status and temperature changes as optical signals. The coating layer of the present invention is formed in a multilayer structure, allowing for precise detection of damage location and progression by emitting specific wavelengths for each layer. The sensing system of the present invention includes an optical sensing module that irradiates infrared light onto the coating layer and a data processing device that analyzes the emitted optical signals to derive damage status and temperature changes.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to smart coating technology, and more specifically, to a functional Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer capable of detecting physical changes such as corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature in real time, and a sensing system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional coating technologies developed for the surface protection of metallic and non-metallic materials have primarily focused on preventing physical damage caused by corrosion, erosion, and wear. In particular, Electroless Nickel-Phosphorus (ENP) coatings provide chemical and mechanical stability and can form a uniform protective layer, making them effectively utilized even on structures with complex geometries. They have established themselves as a core technology for enhancing material durability in various fields, such as automotive, aerospace, marine, energy, and industrial equipment.

[0003] However, while the above coating technology is effective for preventing damage, it had limitations in monitoring the actual damage status in real time or simultaneously detecting environmental factors such as the degree of damage progression and temperature.

[0004] Existing damage detection technologies include ultrasonic inspection, electrical resistance probes, thermal imaging, and electromagnetic and electrochemical monitoring methods. However, these technologies have disadvantages, such as requiring a high level of expertise, being complex to use in the field, or necessitating the transportation of large equipment. Furthermore, because distinct detection mechanisms are required, it has been difficult to comprehensively observe corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes within a single system. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0642679 (Registration Date: Nov. 10, 2006) The problem to be solved

[0006] To solve the problems of conventional technology, the present invention aims to provide a technology capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes in real time within a single system by developing a Ni-P-based smart coating layer containing upconversion particles. By accurately and rapidly identifying damage conditions, this improves the maintenance efficiency of equipment and structures, reduces reliance on high-cost detection systems, and further ensures both safety and economic efficiency. means of solving the problem

[0007] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention proposes a nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P)-based upconversion smart coating layer capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes, wherein the coating layer comprises an electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) alloy matrix and upconversion particles, and the upconversion particles are uniformly dispersed within the coating layer to provide optical signals in response to damage and temperature changes.

[0008] In addition, the above coating layer is formed in a multilayer structure, and each layer contains different upconversion particles, and is characterized by emitting light of a specific wavelength for each layer upon damage or temperature change, thereby proposing a Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer.

[0009] In addition, in another aspect of the invention, the present invention proposes a sensing system capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes, comprising: a Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer; an optical sensing module that detects an upconversion optical signal by irradiating light onto the coating layer; and a data processing unit that derives a damage state and a temperature change by analyzing the optical signal, characterized in that the degree of damage and the temperature state of the coating layer can be detected in real time. Effects of the invention

[0010] The present invention contributes to overcoming the limitations of existing coating technologies by providing a Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes in real time, and a sensing system including the same. The coating layer of the present invention, containing upconversion particles, effectively supports maintenance and management by emitting optical signals capable of detecting damage states and temperature changes in real time. This allows for precise identification of the progression of damage from the initial stages, thereby providing significant advantages in extending the lifespan of equipment and structures, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing safety.

[0011] The coating layer according to the present invention is manufactured through an electroless plating process, which is not only economical and environmentally friendly but can also be uniformly applied to structures with complex shapes. In addition, the coating layer adopts a multilayer structure so that each layer can emit a specific wavelength, thereby allowing the progression and location of damage to be easily checked visually.

[0012] Furthermore, the coating layer according to the present invention can be utilized in various industrial fields such as automobiles, aviation, marine, energy facilities, and chemical plants, and provides an integrated solution capable of monitoring the condition of equipment in real time and preventing accidents. In particular, unlike existing detection technologies that required separate mechanisms for different types of damage, the present invention can integrally detect corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes all with a single coating layer. This increases detection accuracy, reduces the complexity of the detection system, and brings about cost savings.

[0013] This invention realizes the world's first multifunctional smart coating layer by incorporating an upconversion function into existing Ni-P coating technology. This technology offers an innovative approach that goes beyond simple surface protection to enable real-time monitoring of damage conditions, and holds the potential to set a new global standard for coating technology. Through this, it is expected to minimize economic losses while simultaneously improving productivity and safety. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram comparing the structural differences between the Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer of the present invention and a conventional Ni-P coating layer. Figure 2 illustrates the sensing mechanism of the ENP-UC smart coating layer for detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes. It explains the principle in which each coating layer emits a specific wavelength upon light irradiation and transmits information regarding damage status and temperature. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of an ENP-UC smart coating layer containing upconversion particles, including substrate preparation, plating bath composition, plating, and post-treatment steps. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature sensing technology through an ENP-UC coating layer, illustrating the process of sensing the state using upconversion optical signals emitted from each coating layer. Figure 5 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image showing the surface structure and cross-section of a Ni-P upconversion electroless coating layer containing Yb / Er:NaYF4 upconversion particles according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the XRD (X-ray diffraction) spectrum and the coefficient of friction (COF) measurement results of a Ni-P upconversion electroless coating layer containing Yb / Er:NaYF4 upconversion particles according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a figure showing the upconversion emission spectrum and emission extinction curve of a Ni-P upconversion electroless coating layer containing Yb / Er:NaYF4 upconversion particles according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0016] Since embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be subject to various modifications and may take various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification or application. However, this is not intended to limit embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0017] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the described features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0018] The present invention relates to a Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes in real time, and a sensing system including the same. The coating layer of the present invention comprises upconversion particles in an electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) alloy matrix, thereby emitting optical signals upon damage or temperature changes, enabling a user to monitor and analyze them. This overcomes the problems of real-time damage detection and integrated condition monitoring that were not resolved by existing coating technologies.

[0019] The above-mentioned upconversion particles have the characteristic of emitting specific wavelengths in the visible light region when excited by an infrared (IR) light source, and this characteristic was applied to a Ni-P-based coating layer. The coating layer of the present invention is manufactured through an electroless plating process, incorporating upconversion particles into the plating bath to uniformly disperse them in the matrix of the coating layer. Rare earth-doped materials such as Yb / Er:NaYF4, Yb / Tm:NaYF4, and Yb / Ho:NaYF4 are used as upconversion particles, which are designed to emit light of different wavelengths depending on damage conditions such as corrosion, erosion, and wear.

[0020] In addition, the coating layer of the present invention is formed in a multilayer structure, so that each layer can emit a specific wavelength. This allows for more precise identification of the location and extent of damage, and the multilayer structure serves to strengthen the adhesion of the coating layer and improve physical durability. For example, the upper layer is designed to emit green light, the middle layer to emit blue light, and the lower layer to emit red light, so that the progression of damage can be visualized through color changes.

[0021] The Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer according to the present invention is manufactured through the following steps.

[0022] (1) Substrate preparation: A metal or non-metal substrate is cleaned and chemically treated to activate the surface.

[0023] (2) Plating bath composition: Upconversion particles are mixed into a Ni-P plating bath, and the composition, pH, temperature, and stirring speed of the plating bath are optimized so that the particles are uniformly dispersed.

[0024] (3) Electroless plating: The substrate is immersed in a plating bath to form a Ni-P coating layer, and the plating time is adjusted for each layer to create a multilayer structure.

[0025] (4) Post-treatment: To enhance the durability of the coating layer, additional heat treatment or chemical etching processes are performed.

[0026] The present invention will be explained in more detail below through examples.

[0027] The embodiments according to this specification may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of this specification is not to be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments of this specification are provided to more fully explain this specification to those with average knowledge in the art.

[0028] <Example>

[0029] A Ni-P coating layer containing Yb / Er:NaYF4 upconversion particles was formed on a metal substrate. The plating bath contained a nickel and phosphorus compound, and the concentration of the upconversion particles was set to 1 g / L. Plating was performed for 1 hour at 85°C, and a drying time of 15 minutes was allowed for each layer after plating to form a multilayer structure. When the completed coating layer was exposed to an infrared (980 nm) light source, it emitted green, blue, and red light, and changes in the intensity and wavelength of the emitted light were observed at the damaged areas. This allowed for the effective identification of the initial stage and progression of the damage.

[0030] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be manufactured in various different forms, and those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

[0031] The present invention was developed as a result of the research on the "Development of Multifunctional Next-Generation Ni-P-Based Upconversion Smart Coating Technology" of the industry-academia joint research project, supported by CreaFuture Co., Ltd.

Claims

Claim 1 A nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P)-based upconversion smart coating layer capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes, wherein the coating layer comprises an electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) alloy matrix and upconversion particles, and wherein the upconversion particles are uniformly dispersed within the coating layer to provide an optical signal according to damage and temperature changes. Claim 2 A Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer is formed in a multilayer structure, and each layer contains different upconversion particles, and is characterized by emitting light of a specific wavelength for each layer upon damage or temperature change. Claim 3 A sensing system capable of detecting corrosion, erosion, wear, and temperature changes, comprising: a Ni-P-based upconversion smart coating layer according to claim 1 or 2; an optical sensing module that detects an upconversion optical signal by irradiating light onto the coating layer; and a data processing unit that derives a damage state and a temperature change by analyzing the optical signal; wherein the sensing system is characterized by being capable of detecting the degree of damage and the temperature state of the coating layer in real time.

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