Force Sensitive Resistors : A New and Emerging Field of Research in Conducting Polymers

Conducting polymers are fast evolving as a critical domain of research for industrial applications. With the advent of carbon conducting fillers, very high electrical conductivity of polymers is achieved. The polymers are biocompatible and are used for drug delivery, wearables and as sensors for industrial and medical electronics. Though the electrical conduction mechanisms are well correlated to the geometry, weight percentage and intrinsic properties of the conducting fillers, achieving a proper balance of electrical, mechanical and thermal properties has been a challenging task. This paper discusses the importance of conducting polymers in the development of force sensitive resistors which are extensively useful in industrial and medical applications. A brief review of conducting polymer matrices, conducting fillers and their properties which are critical for force sensing are discussed. Some of the important characteristic features of force sensing resistors are enumerated and few medical applications are presented.