Conductive Composites for Use in Sensing Applications

Polymers have a wide array of applications owing to their limitless tailorable properties. The inherent non-conductivity of polymers limits their use in electrical applications. By combining with conductive fillers, an entirely new dimension of possibilities can be explored in biomedical, human health monitoring, sensors, wearable electronics, and various other applications. This thesis studies the functionality of conductive polymers in a few selected fields such as electrocardiogram devices, smart textiles, contaminants, and strain sensors. Study 1 revealed that different polymers have vastly different electrical performance, especially in electrocardiograms even if filler content remained the same. Study 2 showed how conductive textiles can be used in human health monitoring and assist in long term care facilities. Study 3 demonstrated the capabilities of conductive nanocomposites as a contaminant and strain sensor using a unique electroplating coating method of electrospun fibers. The research into these smart materials is a continuously developing and emerging field.M.A.S