Fabrication and Performance Analysis of Nafion-based IPMC Actuator
Keywords:
Smart materials, Actuator, Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC), Ion-exchange polymersAbstract
Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs) are a type of smart material with layered structures consisting of an electrode/ion-exchange membrane/electrode configuration. Owing to their large bending deformations at very low voltages, lightweight nature, and ease of fabrication, they are considered an ideal option for applications such as artificial actuators, sensors, and energy harvesters. In this study, an IPMC actuator was fabricated by depositing platinum metal electrodes onto an ion-exchange Nafion membrane.
Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy, the formation of the metal electrode layer was confirmed, and the thickness of the deposited electrodes was measured to be approximately 11-12 μm. The water absorption capacity and electrode surface resistance of the IPMC actuator, which directly influence its performance, were investigated over time. With repeated expansion and contraction of the actuator during operation, structural defects on the electrode surfaces, such as cracks and fractures, grow deeper, resulting in a gradual decline in the actuator's performance. Functional parameters such as actuator's displacement, operational stability and blocking force were tested under various voltages. At an input voltage of 4 V, the tip displacement of the IPMC with dimensions of 2×6 cm2 was measured to be 40 mm, and its operational duration in air was about 20 minutes. Additionally, blocking force, under the mentioned voltage was calculated to be approximately 6.4 gf.
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