Thermal Sensing and Responsive Materials for Environmental Monitoring

In this proposal, Nano Terra outlines an innovative approach to develop a flexible integrated time-temperature sensor that is easy to apply to a variety of materials and is easily read by the naked eye. Furthermore, our device will be based off of technology that will allow us to rapidly produce a variety of products tailored to the needs of the client in respect to temperature and time ranges. The device is composed of micro-fluidic channels loaded with colored indicator materials that melt when the temperature threshold is exceeded. When these materials undergo a phase transition and melt, they run into the fluidic channels. The length of migration into the channels will be related to the time above the temperature threshold. By the end of Phase I, we propose to develop several prototype devices that can record the time a range of temperatures has been exceeded. In Phase II of this effort, Nano Terra will develop a scalable manufacturing process for these devices and in Phase III will transition the technology to a well-established partner in military logistics