a biomedical sensor is disclosed that includes a conductive material for coupling to monitoring equipment , and a composite . the composite includes a polymeric material and a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the polymeric material . the composite has a first side that is coupled to the conductive material and has a second side that is positionable with respect to a subject to be monitored . the polar material exhibits molecular compatibility with the polymeric material such that the polar material neither blooms to a surface of the polymeric material nor crystallizes within the polymeric material .