Corrosion Prevention Coatings Based on Soluble Conducting Polymers

The use of metal/semiconductor (M/SC) interfaces, in the form of SC coatings on metal, is a new anti-corrosion technology based on creating an electronic barrier, through an intrinsic electric field, to the transfer of electrons from a metal substrate to oxidizing species such as oxygen in the environment. The present work seeks to implement this technology with new, soluble, semiconducting organic Conducting Polymers (CPs). The CPs chosen have in prior work shown high solubility and processability and very good environmental, thermal and oxidation stability (to 300 C in air over long periods). On top of the anti-corrosion CP coating, a final epoxy topcoat, which can then be painted on, is used for additional abrasion resistance. In the proposed work, these CP coatings will be studied and corrosion protection monitored via physical, electrochemical methods. Coatings will be optimized and an integrated systems approach for aircraft application formulated.