Polymer nanocomposites for sensor devices

Abstract

Abstract Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are the combination of polymer continuous phase and nanoparticles as discontinuous phase that show several advantages in mechanical, electric, and optical properties as compared with individual components. These unique and unmatchable fascinating properties of PNCs have attracted significant attention of scientists around the globe in recent years. With minimal effort, the PNCs can be synthesized in various nanoscale forms, which allow preparation of various novel chemical and biological sensors to be fabricated. In this chapter, sensor applications based on PNCs for the preparation of pressure or strain sensor, electrochemical sensor, biosensors like glucose and cholesterol sensor, gas and humidity sensors, and organic vapor sensor have been presented. The improved nanocomposites for sensor devices can be prepared by combination of conductive polymers with reinforcement of various nanostructured materials that have been discussed, and few perspective utilizations are suggested for future studies.