Temperature sensing with fluorescence intensity ratio technique in epoxy-based nanocomposite filled with Er3+-doped 7YSZ

Luminescent nanocomposite of epoxy filled with Er3+-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia (7YSZ) is prepared with their luminescence spectra measured in the temperature range 123–423 K. Fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of the two Er3+ emissions is also obtained in the same temperature range. Er–7YSZ/epoxy nanocomposites exhibited higher sensitivity of 0.18%/K as compared with the bare Er–7YSZ particles. Luminescence thermometry is demonstrated by using the nanocomposites as temperature sensitive paint (TSP) with a resolution of 1 K. The advantage of FIR technique combined with the excellent thermal stability of epoxy matrix makes the Er–7YSZ/epoxy nanocomposites viable as temperature sensitive paint for aerodynamic applications.