Large deformation ionic polymer-metal composites actuators based on porous Nafion membranes

Dongxu Zhao; Dichen Li; Yanjie Wang; Meng Luo; Hualing Chen

doi:10.1117/12.2218888

15 April 2016 Large deformation ionic polymer-metal composites actuators based on porous Nafion membranes

Dongxu Zhao, Dichen Li, Yanjie Wang, Meng Luo, Hualing Chen

Proceedings Volume 9798, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2016; 979824 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2218888
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2016, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Abstract

With advantages of low driving voltage, good flexibility and high electromechanical efficiency, ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), which are one of the most attractive smart materials, have been research hotspot in actuators, sensors and artificial muscles. However, a serious drawback of little deformation of thick IPMC actuator limits its application. In this paper, we fabricated thick porous Nafion membranes by freeze-drying process. A series of Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Water uptake (WUP) tests were performed to examine the validity of the freeze-drying process and the pore size and the porosity. Then, the porous IPMCs were fabricated with the freeze-drying processed Nafion membranes by the solution casting and reducing plating. Finally, the IPMC actuators with the dimensions of 25× 5× 1 in millimeters were achieved and tested. The terminal deformation of the porous IPMC actuator increased by 739.7%, compared with the ordinary IPMC actuator with the same dimensions under the driving voltage of 2VDC.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Dongxu Zhao, Dichen Li, Yanjie Wang, Meng Luo, and Hualing Chen "Large deformation ionic polymer-metal composites actuators based on porous Nafion membranes", Proc. SPIE 9798, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2016, 979824 (15 April 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2218888

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available