A Review on Conducting Polymers and Nanopolymer Composite Coatings for Steel Corrosion Protection

Corrosion is the principal reason for causing degradation of steel material properties, and coating is one of the most popular and effective ways to protect steel from corrosion. There are many kinds of coatings with different constituents, mechanisms and effectiveness. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the development of coating technology including traditional coatings, hydrophobic coatings, conducting polymer coatings and nanopolymer composite coatings. In particular, conducting polymers and nanopolymer composite coatings are reviewed in detail, which are the most popular and promising coatings. The advantages and limitations of each coating method as well as the influencing factors on corrosion protection are elaborated. Finally, the future research and applications are proposed.