Conductive polymers are a unique class of materials that blend the electrical properties of metals with the processing advantages of plastics. These innovative materials have attracted much scientific interest since the late 1970s, enabling new applications across multiple industries.

What are Conductive Polymers?
Conductive Conductive Polymer Coatings that conduct electricity. They differ from traditional conductive materials like metals in that they are polymeric in nature rather than composed solely of small molecule units. The conductivity arises from extensive conjugation - or alternating single and double bonds - along the polymer backbone. This structure allows for delocalization of pi-electrons which facilitate charge transport.

Some common conductive polymers include polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyaniline. While pure forms of these polymers are generally insulators, their conductivity can be dramatically increased through a process called doping. Doping involves chemical or electrochemical oxidation/reduction of the polymer which introduces mobile charge carriers into the material. This shifts it from its semiconducting state to a conducting state capable of carrying electrical current.

Applications of Conductive Polymer Coatings
One major application area for conductive polymers is in the development of advanced coatings. Using techniques such as chemical or electrochemical polymerization, it is possible to deposit thin films of conductive polymers onto various substrates to impart new functions. Some key applications of conductive polymer coatings include:

Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Conductive polymer coatings have shown promise in protecting metals from corrosion. Polyaniline and polypyrrole coatings can inhibit corrosion by acting as a barrier while also facilitating the transfer of ions involved in corrosion reactions. This makes them attractive for uses such as protecting pipes, storage tanks, and ship hulls.

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Films of conductive polymers like polyaniline and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) can provide effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding when coated onto surfaces. They absorb electromagnetic waves due to their conductive nature. This makes them useful for EMI shielding in electronic devices, aerospace applications, and military equipment.

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