Electrochemical characterization of electroactive poly(aniline) /EPDM rubber blends obtained chemically on Ag substrates for corrosion protection

• Published in: Surface Treatment V: 5th International Conference on Computer Methods and Experimental Measurements for Surface Treatment Effects; Seville; Spain; 20-22 June 2001 pp. 85 - 95
• Main Authors: Domenech, S C, Bortoluzzi, J H, Costa, I, Franco, C V
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 20.06.2001
• ISBN: 9781853128738; 1853128732

Sensor devices, such as pressure gauges and membrane keyboards, contain Ag paths built from colloidal serigraphy. One of the steps in the manufacture of such devices is the deposition of graphite carbon to form a protective barrier that prevents the corrosion of the metallic paths. Nonetheless, several shortcomings are associated with such an approach. Corrosion protection requires the use of specialized high-valued materials to prevent even higher maintenance costs later on. The present work will address the possibility of replacing graphite carbon coatings by conductive polymers. In this sense, Poly(aniline)/EPDM blends were prepared by casting rubber matrixes containing different oxidant agents and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid in an organic solution exposed afterwards to aniline vapors to allow chemical polymerization. Secondary doping of the obtained blends was conducted with xylene. The influence of the nature of oxidant and the concentration of conductive polymer on the electroactivity of the blends as surface coatings on Ag were studied by Cyclic Voltammetry, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Optic Microscopy.