Fracture detection coating system
OwnerMark D. Williamsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for monitoring a structure (10) for the formation of cracks (18) includes first pretreating a surface (14) of the structure by applying a first coating (30) to the structure which bonds uniformly to the surface of the structure and creates a uniform surface coat. A second coating (40) is applied over the first coating and contains microcapsules (44). The microcapsules rupture in response to cracking of the structure to release a dye or pigment which changes the color of the second coating about the crack. Cracked portions which form in the structure may then be identified by observing color changes (48) in the second coating resulting from eruption of the microcapsules.
Claims26
A method for monitoring a structure for the formation of cracks, comprising the steps of:
- a) applying to the structure a first coating;
- b) applying over the first coating, a second coating including microcapsules;
- and
- c) identifying cracked portions, which form in the structure, by observing changes in color of the second coating resulting from eruption of the microcapsules.
A method for monitoring a structure for the formation of cracks, comprising the steps of:
- a) pretreating a surface of the structure by applying a first binder coating to the structure;
- and
- b) applying over the first coating, a second coating including microcapsules configured for rupturing in response to cracking or stress in the structure and first coating.
A method for monitoring a structure for the formation of cracks, comprising the steps of:
- a) applying to the structure a first coating including a binder to form a substantially uniform surface coating;
- and
- b) applying over the first coating, a second coating comprising microcapsules, the microcapsules having a preferred weight which is between approximately 20 to 25 percent of the weight of the second coating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.