Conducting polymers as a basis for responsive materials systems

Conducting polymers such as polypyrrole and polyaniline are being extensively studied for their use in a wide range of new products. These materials are unique in that they have switchable properties due to their 2 or more mechanically stable oxidation states. Thus, films or coatings can be easily switched by the application of small voltages and currents to change the mechanical and electrical properties, the density, light absorbance and even to emit light in a diode arrangement. This paper reviews the factors that influence the performance of conducting polymers in four applications being developed at the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute: actuators, membranes, sensors and corrosion resistant coatings.