Conducting Polyurethane Blends: Recent Advances and Perspectives

Polyurethane (PU) is a very important material with versatile properties. Melt blending of polyurethane with an intrinsic conducting polymer can improve the polyurethane properties such as electrical conductivity, corrosion protection, and electromagnetic shielding. The properties of blends are dependent upon the compatibility of the blend constituents. The main aim of this chapter is to explain the various properties and application of conducting polyurethane blends which are produced by mixing conducting polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, or polythiophene with polyurethane. The rapid development of the new generation of electronic devices such as power sources, displays, and sensors requires intensive research on conducting polymer blends to improve the conductivity of insulating polymers and hence a wider application in fields such as electronics, electrical, automotive, aerospace, and the military.