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

  • Dongxu Zhao
  • , Dichen Li
  • , Yanjie Wang
  • , Meng Luo
  • , Hualing Chen
  • Xi'an Jiaotong University

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2016
EditorsFrederic Vidal, Yoseph Bar-Cohen
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510600393
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2016 - Las Vegas, United States
Duration: 21 Mar 201624 Mar 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9798
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas
Period21/03/1624/03/16

Keywords

  • Deformation
  • Freeze-drying process
  • IPMCs
  • Porous IPMC actuator

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