Polymer composite sensors

Polymeric composites often consist of a primary polymeric continuous phase and a distinct, non-miscible second phase, which can exist as particles or fibers at various scales, from nanometric to micrometric, as well as extending to continuous textiles. This second phase gives specific functionalities, creating hybrid materials with pronounced synergies across their attributes (e.g., mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical), surpassing those of individual elements. Recent years have witnessed substantial advancements in sensor design, leveraging material composites to craft sophisticated detection tools that transcend challenges like mechanical resilience, durability, and the shaping of intricate forms. This chapter covers a comprehensive review from fundamental aspects like composite type and manufacturing methods to contemporary advances in polymeric composite sensors, with special attention to their key application domains. The review is structured based on the functional discontinuous phase embedded within the polymer matrix, which is the key player in the sensing mechanisms. The text explores the involved mechanisms, significant progress in different fields, and inherent limitations of sensor types.