The development and characterisation of conducting polymeric-based sensing devices

This project is focused on developing novel smart textiles based on conducting polymer coatings deposited on a foam substrate. This process renders the foam conductive, while retaining the tactile properties of the original material. The foam is a soft, porous and conductive solid, made by chemically oxidising pyrrole in the presence of a polyurethane foam. The 3-D structure of this material means it is sensitive to pressures exerted from all three dimensions, making it attractive for use in wearable sensors for sport and medical applications. A potential application under investigation is the development of a smart insole for patients with Diabetes Mellitus, who require constant monitoring of the pressure exerted underfoot during walking or standing in order to reduce the risk of damaging their feet due to excess pressure being applied. Future applications for this material may also lie in the area of wearable electronic components, whereby the material can be fabricated to produce resistors, capacitors, etc. The gas sensing capabilities of this material were also investigated. Results have shown that this smart fabric based chemical sensor offers higher selectivity towards ammonia over other volatile organic vapours.