Polypyrrole films on nickel-plated copper

Polypyrrole (PPy) film was synthesized on nickel-plated copper electrodes, from monomer containing 0.2 M ammonium oxalate solution. The thickness of galvanostatically deposited nickel layer was 2 mu m, while similar to 0.80 mu m thick polymer film was obtained by using cyclic voltammetry technique. The protective behavior of PPy modified nickel coating has been investigated, against copper corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solution. For this aim, ac impedance spectroscopy, the anodic polarization curves and open circuit potential-time (E(ocp)-t) diagrams were utilized. It was shown that PPy modified nickel coating could provide important protection to copper for considerable periods, in such aggressive medium. The thin polymer film constituted a physical barrier on top of nickel layer against the attack of corrosive environment for a certain period. Also, it was found that the thin PPy film could increase the protection efficiency and lifetime of nickel coating, by its catalytic behavior on formation of NiO layer. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.