Kankaanpää Unit - Projects

Smart elastomer materials and products "KÄLY"

Work done 7/2004 - 9/2006
Co-operation with TUT Laboratory of Plastics and Elastomer Technology
Extent of work: Develop materials and constructions so that sensors and other electronics could be integrated in to rubber products
Funding: TEKES (Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation), Finnprofiles Oy, Hexamer Oy, MacGREGOR Group, Metso Minerals, Metso Paper Inc., Nokian Tyres plc, Perlos Oyj, Reka Kumi Oy, Suomi Rubber Factory and Teknikum Oy
Results: Technology test samples and report
Contact: Pekka Iso-Ketola

Polymer and elastomer materials can be made sensing and thus smart by utilizing signals produced by the intrinsic physical properties of materials or by separate sensors when they react to environmental conditions. The electronics needed to measure, process and transmit the signal produced by material properties can be placed on the surface or inside the product. Traditional sensor components can also be used to produce smart rubber components.

The goal of KÄLY-project (Smart elastomeric materials and products) was to develop materials and constructions so that sensors and sensing could be integrated in to the rubber products. With these sensing materials and sensors we can measure external events or product´s own behavior, e.g. impact or vibrations on a bumper and condition monitoring of a seal or gasket. The project concentrated on to develop materials that could be used as sensors and constructions of sensors and also how to integrate electronics into rubber products.

The project was carried out between 1.7.2004-30.9.2006. The research results include new pressure sensing rubber materials, conductive rubber materials, wear sensors and elastomer integrated sensors for remote diagnostics of elastomer products.

Links and other info:

Project brochure

Updated , Hokkanen Mirja