Conducting polymers - plastics that conduct electricity - continue to find market niches as they emerge from the research laboratory. The key attraction of conducting polymers such as polyaniline, polythiophene, polypyrrole, and polyacetylene over traditional conducting materials is their robustness and ease of processing. Devices incorporating conducting polymers require a balance of conductivity, processability, and stability. Researchers have been able to increasingly optimize all three properties simultaneously, although work is still on to improve the operating lifetimes of the materials.

This Technical Insights' study examines global technology advances in developing industrial applications for conducting polymers and provides a detailed overview of progress in development laboratories. It defines key applications, reports on technology drivers and obstacles in the way of commercial success, and also identifies key companies and developers.

Research Yields Many Exciting Applications

"Conducting polymers have already begun to find use in niche consumer electronics devices and in antistatic textiles, some of which have military applications," says Joe Constance, the primary analyst for this study. "However, their commercial potential has only touched the tip of the iceberg. Among the most exciting applications is the use of conducting polymers in light-emitting devices (LEDs), replacing silicon as the traditional substrate material for clock radios, appliance and instrument readouts, automotive dashboard displays, and aircraft cockpit displays."

While their electro-activity finds applications in molecular electronics, optoelectronics, electrical displays, sensors, rechargeable batteries, ion exchange membranes, and smart structures, their conductivity is being explored in electrostatic materials, conducting adhesives, electromagnetic shielding, artificial nerves, aircraft structures, diodes, and transistors.

Specific Markets Will Reap Benefits

Industries such as electronics are expected to reap benefits from conducting polymers. They will be used in these industries as shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the detection and monitoring industries, these materials are already used in sensors or electronic noses that detect environmentally hazardous chemicals, factory emissions, and flavors or aromas in food products. Also standing to benefit from conducting polymer technology are consumer electronics products where the materials will be used in light-emitting polymers and diodes to power displays in clock radios, audio equipment, televisions, cellular telephones, home appliances, and industrial equipment.