A Biomimetic Actuator Based on an Ionic Networking Membrane of Poly(styrene‐alt‐maleimide)‐Incorporated Poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Abstract

A novel electro‐active polymer actuator employing the ionic networking membrane of poly(styrene‐alt‐maleimide) (PSMI)‐incorporated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was developed to improve the electrical and mechanical performance of the artificial muscles. The main drawback of the previous ionic polymer‐metal composite actuator was the straightening‐back and relaxation under the constant voltage excitation. The present ionic networking membrane actuator overcomes the relaxation of the ionic polymer‐metal composite actuator under the constant voltage and also shows much larger tip displacement than that of the Nafion‐based actuator. Under the simple harmonic stimulus, the measured mechanical displacement was comparable to that of the Nafion‐based actuator. The excellent electromechanical response of the current polymer actuator is attributed to two factors: the inherent large ionic‐exchange capacity and the unique hydrophilic nano‐channels of the ionic networking membrane. The electro‐active polymer actuator of PSMI‐incorporated PVDF can be a promising smart material and may possibly diversify niche applications in biomimetic motion.

Well‐aligned Nano‐fiberous Membranes Based on Three‐pole Electrospinning with Channel Electrode

“…To conduct experimental studies and carry out fabrication, P(VDF-TrFE) polymer that is a good candidate for piezoelectric sensors and actuators [30,31] was selected as the base polymer material for electrospinning. Two kinds of materials, pure polymer P(VDF-TrFE) and the same polymer mixed with 0.5 wt.-% MWCNTs, were used, following a typical preparation approach [32,33] (further details are provided in Supporting Information).…”

Enhanced Biomimetic Performance of Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite Actuators Prepared with Nanostructured Block Ionomers

“…In the fi rst step, the top and bottom Pt electrodes were formed on a water-swollen PBI fi lm by electroless deposition of Pt, as described elsewhere. [ 25 ] This procedure was repeated up to four times. Surface electroding resulted in the formation of Ag electrodes on top of the Pt electrodes by the silver mirror reaction.…”

“…This feature, coupled with our ability to vary the number of Pt coatings applied, permits precise control over the distribution of Pt to desired depths within the membrane, which dictates the effective interfacial area and, in so doing, governs the actuation performance, as discussed later. On the basis of the fi ndings reported by Lu et al, [ 25 ] we fi rst apply one or more Pt inner-surface electrode layers, followed by an the microelectromechanical (MEM) model proposed by Asaka and Oguro. [ 28 ] Recent neutron imaging and fl uorescence microscopy studies performed by Park et al [ 8 ] and Park et al, [ 7 ] respectively, provide direct experimental evidence of this mechanism in IPMCs composed of Nafi on.…”

Electro‐active Polymer Actuator Based on Sulfonated Polyimide with Highly Conductive Silver Electrodes Via Self‐metallization

“…In particular, ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs), one of the most promising electro-active polymers, have garnered interest in the past decade due to their potential applications in artificial muscles, sensors and actuators, biomimetic robots, space and underwater applications. [5][6][7][8][9] In general, IPMC is a sandwich-like structure formed with an ionic exchangeable core membrane and two surface electrodes coated with noble metal, such as Pt, Au, Ag, and carbon nanotube electrodes. [10,11] Electro-mechanical performance and durability of IPMC actuators are strongly affected by the surface electrodes, especially the conductivity and the micro-and nano-morphology, [12][13][14] which depend highly on the fabrication methods.…”