Degradation Sensors: Making Smart Labels Smarter

Ken Watkins is president of Polymer Aging Concepts, Inc., a research and development company based in Dahlonega, Georgia. Polymer Aging Concepts, Inc. specializes in electrical sensors for monitoring the degradation and remaining life of degradable products under varied environmental conditions.

 

For the past 10 years, Mr. Watkins has developed fault-sensing and degradation sensor technologies. He is an inventor in six issued patents, three pending applications and has authored several peer-reviewed papers and journal articles. Mr. Watkins was principle investigator for four Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the Department of Energy on fault and degradation sensing technologies for wire and cable insulation.

 

Mr. Watkins received a BSME degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1970 and is a professional engineer in the state of Georgia. He served on active duty in the US Navy¡¦s nuclear power program and has over 25 years engineering experience in the nuclear utility and pulp and paper industries.

Polymer Aging Concepts, Inc. is a small research and development company specializing in degradation sensors for products made from polymers. Headquartered in Dahlonega, Georgia, the company employs three engineers working with partners in academia and industry to provide licensable technology to industry and government.

 

The degradation sensors, called AgeAlert„§, often utilize the same polymer as the product, ensuring excellent tracking of the product's remaining life. In addition, AgeAlert sensors require no electrical power until interrogated, making them well suited for passive RFID applications. Tested sensor materials include elastomers, thermoplastics and thermosets used in wire and cable insulation and industrial rubber products. Sensor development work is underway for wide-ranging applications for degradable products.

 

Under a research and development grant by the US Department of Energy, Polymer Aging Concepts, Inc. successfully demonstrated use of conductive composite sensors to monitor degradation and predict remaining life of wire and cable insulation for next-generation nuclear power plants.

 

Polymer Aging Concepts, Inc. has five pending US and foreign patent application on AgeAlert technology and seeks business and strategic partners to commercialize the technology. First commercial sensor introduction is planned for late FY 2006.