Preparation and characterization of sulfonated carbon nanotube/Nafion IPMC actuators

  • Jie Ru
  • , Yanjie Wang
  • , Longfei Chang
  • , Hualing Chen
  • , Bo Li
  • , Shuhai Jia

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

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, we developed a new kind of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator by doping sulfonated carbon nanotube (SCNT) into Nafion matrix to overcome some major drawbacks, such as low output force and short air-operation time, which restrict applications of conventional Nafion IPMC actuators. Firstly, SCNT was synthesized by coupled reaction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and azo compounds and then doped into Nafion matrix by casting method. Subsequently, several key parameters of the SCNT-reinforced Nation matrix, water uptake ratio and equivalent stiffness, were revealed and the inner morphology of the membranes were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the effects of the SCNT on the electromechanical properties of IPMC actuators, especially the actuating performance, were evaluated experimentally and analyzed systematically. The results showed that SCNT was evenly dispersed in Nafion matrix and a small amount of SCNT could improve the performance of IPMC actuators significantly.

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

  • Electro-active actuator
  • IPMC
  • Nafion matrix
  • Smart materials
  • Sulfonated carbon nanotube

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