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High-Performance Electroactive Polymer Actuators Based on Ultrathick Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites with
Hyuck Sik Wang1,2, Jaehyun Cho1, Dae Seok Song1
1School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 9, 2017
Summary
Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) achieve enhanced biomimetic actuation. New methods improve both bending strain and force for practical applications like artificial muscles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are biomimetic actuators operating at low voltages.
- A trade-off between bending strain and generating force limits practical IPMC applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simultaneously enhance both bending strain and generating force in IPMC actuators.
- To develop a facile approach for improved electromechanical properties in IPMCs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of IPMCs using thickness-controlled, ultrathick ion-exchange membranes (Nafion films).
- Formation of nanodispersed metal electrodes via alcohol-assisted electroless plating.
- Characterization of electromechanical properties and performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved approximately four times larger strain and two times larger force compared to conventional IPMCs.
- Demonstrated IPMC actuator capability to lift 16 coins (124 g).
- Nanodispersed electrodes increased capacitance and facilitated ion transport.
Conclusions:
- The developed facile approach significantly improves IPMC actuator performance.
- Ultrathick membranes and nanodispersed electrodes overcome the strain-force trade-off.
- These enhanced IPMCs show great promise for artificial muscle applications.
