Smart Paper Detects Leaks

Nov-10-17 A smart paper able to detect leaks could make it much easier to locate damage in complex pipe systems.

Developed by a team from the University of Washington, the paper was created by mixing conductive carbon nanotubes with wood fibers, resulting in a paper able to conduct electricity. Although that was the team’s original intent, they also discovered that contact with water will cause the paper to swell, interrupting the electrical current and triggering a connected LED to turn off.

Armed with the discovery, the team is now exploring the idea of wrapping the paper around water pipes, where it could trigger an alarm at the early signs of a leak.

More Info about this Invention:

[NEWATLAS.COM]
[WASHINGTON.EDU]

---