What it does
Detecting cracks early in buildings is hard and often needs costly tools or expert help. Small cracks are hard to see, especially in the dark. CrackGlow uses a chemiluminescent patch that changes color on impact, letting anyone spot damage quickly.
Your inspiration
Structural cracks in buildings are often hard to detect early, yet they can cause severe damage if ignored. While exploring simple detection methods, I was inspired by glow sticks used by rescue workers. These glow through a chemical reaction triggered by impact, offering visibility in dark settings. I applied this concept to crack detection: when a crack forms, the vibration or shock breaks a barrier inside the patch, mixing two chemicals. This triggers a chemiluminescent reaction, causing a visible color change. CrackGlow provides a clear visual signal of structural damage, making detection easier and faster on construction sites.
How it works
CrackGlow is a multi-layered luminescent patch designed for various building surfaces such as concrete, brick, stone, and metal. It features a waterproof, high-adhesion silicone film and is compact (70mm × 70mm, <10g), enabling real-time visual monitoring of structural cracks. Inside, it contains hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and luminol (C₈H₇N₃O₂), which react only when mixed. When a crack forms, vibrations or stress (0.1–5.0 MPa) transfer to the patch. If the pressure exceeds ~1.0 MPa, the membrane breaks, mixing the solutions and triggering chemiluminescence. Electrons emit light at wavelengths of 430–470 nm (blue light). The luminol-H₂O₂ system produces sufficient luminescence with low energy and can sustain it for over 30 minutes. For daytime visibility, the surface is coated with fluorescent pigments (SrAl₂O₄) and quantum dot-based LED ink to reflect ambient light and increase contrast.
Design process
CrackGlow can go through the following development process, combining pre-experiments and multiple data for visual clarity, response reliability, and field applicability. First, for visual clarity, CrackGlow is available in three sensitivity levels based on crack pressure: Yellow Kit (0.5–1.5 MPa) for early detection, Green Kit (1.5–3.0 MPa) for moderate cracks, and Red Kit (3.0+ MPa) for severe warnings. Each version varies in chemical concentration and membrane thickness. The patch is protected by an IP67-rated waterproof silicone layer, ensuring stable performance in outdoor or humid environments. Next, for reliable reaction, the internal structure is designed as a triple layer (Solution A / rupture membrane / Solution B), activating when stress reaches approximately 1.0 MPa. Finally, we developed a miniaturized patch type optimized for field application. CrackGlow conducted chemical experiments at various concentrations and finalized the most effective model based on the data. The patch form was chosen for its proven compatibility with external wall surfaces among multiple prototype options.
How it is different
CrackGlow applies chemiluminescence, inspired by emergency glow sticks, to detect structural cracks in a power-free, sensor-free way. When stress from a crack exceeds a threshold, internal chemicals mix and emit visible light, providing an immediate visual cue. Its three-stage system—Yellow (minor), Green (moderate), and Red (severe)—allows workers to assess crack severity at a glance. Unlike traditional methods that require expensive tools or expert analysis, CrackGlow is low-cost, intuitive, and easy to apply in the field. The compact, waterproof patch adheres to materials like concrete, metal, or brick, and uses fluorescent pigments and quantum dot ink to remain visible even in daylight. CrackGlow combines chemical science and practical design to offer a simple, original, and field-ready solution for safer construction monitoring.
Future plans
CrackGlow is developed as a palm-sized adhesive patch using a triple-layer structure with two separated chemical solutions. Initial prototypes are made with silicone molds and tested on concrete, stone, and metal surfaces. Field testing evaluates performance under real crack conditions and various environments. Feedback from site workers refines usability. Once validated, small-scale production begins, with plans for color-coded kits and digital tracking features.
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