INTRINSICALLY CONDUCTING POLYMERS - QUO-VADIS

Of the various types of synthetic metals, intrinsically conducting polymers (once discovered) quickly became the materials most frequently studied, owing to their properties, structural variability, and great potential for commercial applications. This month's essay traces the progress made in their investigation during the last 15 years as reflected in the contributions presented at the series of biennial international conferences on synthetic metals (ICSM). Possible directions for their future development are also outlined.