Polymeric nanocomposite based sensor and coating systems and their applications

A sensor system comprising:

• a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, the first layer comprising parallel conductive filaments oriented in a first direction, the second layer comprising parallel conductive filaments oriented in a second direction different from the first direction, and the third layer comprising parallel conductive filaments oriented in a third direction, each of the first layer, the second layer and the third layer including a stimulus sensitive material arranged to connect the parallel conductive filaments of the respective layer, the stimulus sensitive material having a resistivity which changes with exposure to a hydrocarbon;
• an insulating layer between and separating the first layer and the second layer;
• the third layer being separated from the first layer and the second layer by a known thickness of a medium permeable to the hydrocarbon;
• a first signal conditioning module connected to the parallel conductive filaments of the first layer and configured to measure resistance between adjacent parallel conductive filaments of the first layer;
• a second signal conditioning module connected to the parallel conductive filaments of the second layer and configured to measure resistance between adjacent parallel conductive filaments of the second layer;
• and
• a third signal conditioning module connected to the parallel conductive filaments of the third layer and configured to measure resistance between adjacent parallel conductive filaments of the third layer.