ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF POLYMERS: PRINCIPLES, MECHANISMS, AND MODERN APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Polymers have traditionally been considered electrical insulators due to their molecular structure and limited charge mobility. However, the discovery of electrically conductive polymers has revolutionized materials science and opened new opportunities in electronics, energy storage, sensors, and biomedical engineering. Conductive polymers combine the advantageous properties of conventional polymers, such as flexibility, lightweight structure, and corrosion resistance, with electrical conductivity similar to that of semiconductors. This review paper examines the fundamental principles of electrical conductivity in polymers, discusses the mechanisms responsible for charge transport, and explores the factors affecting conductivity. Furthermore, the paper reviews recent developments and practical applications of conductive polymers in modern technologies. The analysis demonstrates that conductive polymers are becoming increasingly important in advanced engineering fields due to their unique physical and electrical properties. The study concludes that continued research and technological innovation will further expand the role of conductive polymers in future electronic and energy-related applications.