Exfoliated-Graphite/Latex Piezoresistive System for Mapping Plantar Pressure

Abstract

Diabetics often have neuropathy that prevents them from noticing developing foot ulcers. Pressure sensors can detect areas with abnormally high pressure, allowing earlier detection, prevention, and treatment of developing ulcers. Accurate pressure sensors are often limited to bulky or stationary systems, or have other limitations such as lack of accuracy, slow response times, and cost. This paper explains the fabrication of a prototype system using a bilayer flexible sensor for better accuracy in measuring pressure. The sensor is made of an exfoliated graphite film on a latex substrate and is layered with rubber padding to allow deformation. It is connected to an electronic system that reads changing resistance due to pressure and maps the applied pressure. This system might be a low cost, accurate, and durable alternative to current systems.