Study of Pressure-Sensitive Materials for Floor Sensor Networks

This paper presents a comparative study of pressure-sensitive sensor materials being suitable for monitoring purposes in pressure mapping sensor networks. Four sensor materials working on piezoresistive, piezoelectric, quasi-piezoelectric and capacitive principle have been discussed including the built-up, the working principle, the manufacturing and the most important properties. Additionally, the electromechanical models of the sensor elements have been introduced and verified by comparing the modelled and measured sensor characteristics. The studied materials were compared and evaluated using a decision matrix with respect to the applicability as a thin and flexible pressure sensor unit in a competitive largearea floor sensor network.