A 316-STEEL ELECTRODE COATED WITH POLYCARBONATE FOR ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION OF ANILINE

In this study, homogenous and flexible conductive polymer films with i mproved mechanical properties were obtained by the electrochemical pol ymerization of aniline on polycarbonate-coated 316 steel electrodes. T he optimal thickness of polycarbonate coating was found to be 20 mu m in order to obtain free-standing, high-quality conducting films. The p olyaniline/polycarbonate films obtained on 316 steel electrodes were m ore homogenous than those obtained on platinum electrodes. The maximum conductivity was observed for 10% polyaniline content; increasing the polyaniline content did not affect the conductivity to a significant extent. The films were found to be a suitable sensor against ammonia g as in a concentration range of 0.1-1.0%. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.