Electrochemical Deposition and Evaluation of Electrically Conductive Polymer Coating on Fiber Reinforced Polymers.

Lately the use of fiber reinforced polymers (high tensile fiber textiles embedded in a polymer matrix material) has significantly increased in the manufacture of aeronautical structures due to its many perceived advantages. One of the main disadvantages, however, of these FRP (fiber reinforced polymers) when used on primary structures is low electrical conductivity and therefore poor performance with respect to lighting protection. At this time, the aluminum and copper foils used to provide lighting protection of FRP structure lead to manufacturing challenges, add additional mass to the structure, and if not selected properly may induce galvanic corrosion. Recent developments in conductive polymers has led to the opportunity to improve current techniques to improve electrical conductivity of FRP. The aim of this study is to evaluate an alternative method to enhance electrical conductivity properties of RFP via conductive polymers electrochemical synthesis.