Licensing Opportunity
from the University of Rhode Island
Low TCR Nanocomposite Strain Gauges
Description of Invention: A high temperature thin film strain gauge sensor capable of functioning at
temperatures above 1400.degree. C. The sensor contains a substrate, a nanocomposite film comprised of an
indium tin oxide alloy, zinc oxide doped with alumina or other oxide semiconductor and a refractory metal
selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ni, W, Ir, NiCrAlY and NiCoCrAlY deposited onto the
substrate to form an active strain element.
Potential Areas of Application:
1) Ceramic strain gages are being developed to monitor the structural integrity of gas turbine engine
components employed in aerospace propulsion and power generation systems. The hot sections of
these engines are exposed to gas temperatures in excess of 1500.degree. C.
Main Advantages of Invention:
1) A high temperature thin film strain gage sensor capable of functioning at temperatures above
1200.degree. C. The sensor includes a substrate, a nanocomposite film comprised of indium tin
oxide(ITO) alloy, zinc oxide doped with alumina or other oxide semiconductor and a refractory metal
2) The ITO alloy comprises about 90% weight In.sub.2O.sub.3 and about 10% weight SnO.sub.2
wherein the weights are based on the total weight of the ITO alloy.
Lead Inventor:
Otto Gregory et al, Chemical Engineering
Status:
US patent application 12/133,743 filed June 5, 2008
Low TCR USPTO Website Link
Publications (with links):
Category: Analytical Sciences, Sensors & Automation
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing
Reference #:8624
Please contact David R. Sadowski or Raymond Walsh - Division of Research & Economic Development, University of Rhode Island,
75 Lower College Rd. Suite 001, Kingston, RI 02881; 401-874-4807 or Fax 401-874-7832
http://www.uri.edu/research/tro/executive/sadowski.html
Rev. 01-14-10