Production and Weathering Exposure of Thermochromic Coatings Used as Sensors to Protect Electricity Distribution Systems

Currently, the overheating detection of electric system components is performed using thermal imaging devices, which depend on on-site regulation parameters, require skilled operators and suitable weather conditions. The development and application of innovative technologies to monitor hotspots has highlighted the use of sensors based on thermosensitive materials. In this study, a temperature sensor with thermochromic coating was developed. Thermochromic sensors covered with a varnish layer and nano-titanium oxide, in addition to thermochromic paint, were produced. A 2³ experimental design was established to assess the performance of thermochromic sensors under artificial weathering conditions. Color measurements of the coatings were performed using the CIELAB method. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible), (thermogravimetric TGA, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed on the sensors exposed to photodegradation to detect changes in the thermochromic coatings. The sensors exposed to thermodegradation, and salt spray weathering showed ΔE (total color difference) values below 1.50 points in the presence of TiO₂. In comparison, the sensors exposed to photodegradation showed ΔE values above 10 points, and UV-Vis analysis revealed changes in the chemical structure of the coatings. These results demonstrate that the varnish layer and TiO₂ can help minimize the degradation effects of temperature, light, and salinity.

Keywords:
Thermochromic sensor; Pigment; Thermochromic dye; Weathering