Self healing properties of Cu-Pt coated ionic polymer actuators

Urmas Johanson; Andres Punning; Maarja Kruusmaa; Alvo Aabloo

doi:10.1117/12.775770

10 April 2008 Self healing properties of Cu-Pt coated ionic polymer actuators

Urmas Johanson, Andres Punning, Maarja Kruusmaa, Alvo Aabloo

Proceedings Volume 6927, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008; 69271Y (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.775770
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Composite actuators consisting of sheets of the solid polymer electrolyte (similar to Nafion^(R)) with Cu²⁺ counter-ions inserted and coated with platinum and copper metal layers (so-called Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites; IPMCs) have been synthesised and their electromechanical performance upon actuation has been monitored. Resistance measurements on the electrodes show that the electrical conductivity of the membranes metal surface increases on the cathode side during the actuation process, contradictory to the situation when Cu is absent from the metal coating. This phenomenon is explained by the subsequent reduction of Cu²⁺ ions on the cathode upon actuation; Cu layer growth in this side prevents it from cracking and decreases its electrode resistance. The phenomenon opens up for longer life-times for Cu-based IPMCs. However, additional problems with Cu layer oxidation and Cu dendrite growth on the electrodes should be considered.

Citation Download Citation

Urmas Johanson, Andres Punning, Maarja Kruusmaa, and Alvo Aabloo "Self healing properties of Cu-Pt coated ionic polymer actuators", Proc. SPIE 6927, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008, 69271Y (10 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.775770

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