Applications as Conductors

A great deal of research has been carried out to develop anticorrosion primers. Reviews of studies of the mechanism of corrosion protection by conductive polymer coatings often yield quite confusing information that is not yet fully understood. In general, it can be said that conductive polymers offer anticorrosive properties by a combination of the following hypothesis  

Barrier effect ICPs in their insulating (undoped) states act as barriers because in these states they have poor electronic or ionic conductivities. They are preferred over other insulating polymers due to their ability to form dense and less porous adherent films. 

Galvanic protection ICPs in their conductive (doped) state act as efficient oxidizers and maintain the metals in the passive domain. 

Electronic effect When doped ICPs come into contact with metals, an electrical field is generated that prevents the flow of electrons from the metal to the oxidizing species, thereby reducing the rate of corrosion. 

Various anticorrosion mechanisms have been described, the most common being ennobhng, dislocation of the oxygen reduction site, and the release of dopant anions. 

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