Investigation on the Electrical Properties of Polymer metal Nanocomposites for Physiological sensing applications

Copper nanoparticles were prepared by Polyol Method and the prepared metal nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques like AFM, SEM, FTIR Spectrum and XRD. The prepared metal nanoparticles are used to improve the electrical conductivity of dielectric polymers like PMMA. Polymer Metal Nanocomposite was prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of Methylmethacrylate monomer in the presence of different concentration of prepared metal nanoparticles. The formation of the polymer metal nanocomposites was characterized by UV-Vis Spectroscopy, SEM and AFM. The electrical conductivity was investigated using Four-Point Probe Techniques and the conductivity value of the PMMA/Cu nanocomposite was in the range of mS/cm. The conductivity of the dielectric polymer was found to be increased with the increasing metal concentration. The prepared nanocomposite can be used to convert the insulating foam into conductive one which can be used to fabricate wearable sensors for physiological (Breath Rate, Limb Movement, etc.,) monitoring. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.