A review on conducting polymer coatings for corrosion protection

Corrosion of metals is one of the most important problems in the manufacturing industries. Many corrosion control methods use coatings of conducting polymers and conversion layers that contain toxic and environmentally hazardous materials, especially chromium compounds. These objectives have led to the development of new protective coating strategies that employs nanocomposites and carbon-based materials. In recent years, conducting polymers have attracted much attention because of their wide range of industrial applications and economic viability. Polymers possess long-chain carbon linkages and therefore, upon adsorption are able to block large areas of the corroding metal surfaces. The thin films adsorbed on the metal substrate provide a barrier effect between the metal and its environment. This review article summarizes the different techniques used in corrosion protection of metals, conducting polymers and nanomaterials, nanocomposites, and carbon-based materials in corrosion science.