| In this thesis, the use of ultrasonic welding as a method for manufacture of IPMCs is investigated. There are two potential ways that ultrasonic welding can be used to manufacture IPMCs. The first way is through the welding of metalized electrodes to an ionomer membrane. The second way is through the ultrasonic welding of ionomers or even completed IPMCs to each other. Success with these methods could greatly reduce the costs of IPMC manufacture and open new avenues for research. In this thesis, background information on ultrasonic welding and IPMCs will be covered, followed by the results from a introductory round of testing of the ultrasonic welding method between Nafion ionomer membranes and aluminum foils. Initial results are promising, but further work will be necessary to perfect the technique to the point where it can be useful for the production of IPMCs. |
