Vehicle corrosion assessment using integrated thin film sensors

The incorporation of an array of thin film corrosion sensors and microclimate monitors into vehicles has the ability to increase safety and reduce costs by changing maintenance practices. In this article the production of corrosion sensitive devices on a printed circuit board is described. The detection of corrosive conditions was achieved using a galvanic (aluminium-copper) sensor and three electrical resistance sensor elements. The usefulness of data from the galvanic and electrical resistance corrosion sensors is analysed and their longevity and reliability discussed. With the incorporation of temperature and humidity sensors onto the printed circuit board, real-time monitoring of corrosion processes on automobiles is possible. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E212640.