Effect of the surface-electrode resistance on the actuation of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) artificial muscles

Kwang J. Kim; Mohsen Shahinpoor

doi:10.1117/12.349703

28 May 1999 Effect of the surface-electrode resistance on the actuation of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) artificial muscles

Kwang J. Kim, Mohsen Shahinpoor

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3669, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349703
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

In this work the effect of surface-electrode resistance on the actuation of ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) artificial muscles is investigated. The as-received ion-exchange membrane (IEM) was platinum-composited by using a unique chemical processing technique that employs a platinum-salt and appropriate reducing agents. The IPMCs artificial muscles were optimized for producing maximum forces by changing multiple process parameters including time-dependent concentrations of the salt and reducing agents. The analytical results confirmed that the platinum electrode is successfully deposited on the surface of the IEM where platinum particles stay in a dense form that appears to introduce a significant level of surface- electrode resistance. In order to address this problem, a thin layer of silver (or copper) was electrochemically deposited on top of the platinum electrode to reduce the surface-electrode resistance. Actuation tests were performed for such IPMC artificial muscles under a low voltage. Tests results show that the lower surface-electrode resistance generates the higher actuation capability in the IPMCs artificial muscles. This observation is briefly discussed based on an equivalent circuit theory regarding the IPMC and a possible electrophoretic cation-transport phenomenon under the influence of an electric field.

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Kwang J. Kim and Mohsen Shahinpoor "Effect of the surface-electrode resistance on the actuation of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) artificial muscles", Proc. SPIE 3669, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices, (28 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349703

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