No abstract

The hydroxyl group of HEMA was cross-linked with 1,3-diethoxy-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane in order to enhance the actuation force of the ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) made from the acrylic ter-polymer of fluoroalkyl methacrylate, 2-acylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The water uptake was reduced and the mechanical strengths of the membrane were improved by the cross-linkage. The actuation force of the IPMC was generally enhanced, although it was reduced somewhat at high levels of cross-linking. The current and deformation responses of the IPMC were both decreased by cross-linking.