Research On The Preparation And Electrical Characteristics For The Actuator Powered By The Electroactive Polymersartifical Muscle

Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) is a new smart material which is able toyield1arge displacement when stimulated by low voltage electric field. Due to itsunique properties including simple actuating mode, high efficiency, low actuatingvoltage, safe operation and light weight, IPMC shows great potential in fields ofbio-inspired robotics, artificial muscles, stress sensors and biological medicine etc. Inthis thesis, the preparation technology, the electro-mechanical properties of IPMCmaterials and other related concepts are studied, and the primarily achieved followingresults:(1)The IPMC research status and further development is summarized andanalyzed, demonstrating its great prospect in engineering and the sense of thisresearch.(2) The preparation technology and actuation principle of IPMC was studied.Bya lot of experiments the preparation technology of surface electrode plating of IPMCactuator was acquired through a great lot experiments. IPMC specimen is successfullyfabricated by a commercial Nafion-117membrane.The IPMC cross-sectionmorphology and electrode thickness was examined and characterized by scanningelectron microscopy.(3)Based on the visual non-contact measurement principle, a platform of IPMCproperties testing was set up, and several disciplines on response property, strainproperty, mechanics property and electro-mechanical coupling property of IPMC wasrevealed and summarized through a lot of electric-mechanical experiments on theplatform.(4)In order to improve the output force of IPMC, the solution casting technologywas developed to produce thick-film. And with this technology IPMC materialspecimen was successfully produced on the basis of thick film. The result shows thatthe output forces of IPMC actuator can be enhanced by increasing the film thickness.(5)For the purpose of prolonging the work time of IPMC, the IPMC moisture preserving technology was studied. The research indicates that coating grease on theIPMC surface as a protective layer can effectively reduce the water loss rate andimprove the working time of IPMC. Besides, a recycle technique was developed totreat with the Nafion film and IPMC fragment produced in experiments as well.