Feasibility study for the implementation of RFID technology in CFRPs component

This work aims to investigate the application of RFID technology (Radio Frequency IDentification) to CFRPs (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers) components to improve traceability and support logistics in the race car industry. Several RFID tags able to withstand the harsh processing environment, e.g., high temperature and pressures, have been considered. In order to hide the tag, it was decided to insert it into the component before polymerization, instead of bonding it outside. This technical approach improves the aesthetics and allows the tag to act as an anti-counterfeiting device. However, the readability of a passive RFID tag within CFRP must be evaluated. To better clarify the readability of the tag within CRFP an experimental campaign was conducted with samples based on real laminate mock-ups. The experiments were carried out on a square laminate sample with grooves to house the tag of different size and geometry and different types of composite plies that covers it. It has been observed how the composite cover could affect the reading distance in comparison to the control configuration, i.e., cover-free situation.