a method is disclosed of detecting a bioelectrical signal from a subject . the method includes the steps of applying a composite material to a subject wherein the composite material includes a polymeric material and a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the polymeric material ; coupling monitoring equipment to the second side of the composite material ; permitting the polar material within the polymeric material to respond to the bioelectrical signal within the subject ; and detecting a responsive electrical signal from the composite material that is representative of the bioelectrical signal . 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 , and the composite material has a first side for contacting the subject and a second side .