A Gradient Model for Young’s Modulus and Surface Electrode Resistance of Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite

Abstract

A new model is proposed to estimate Young’s modulus and surface electrode resistance of the ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) with a gradient distribution of microstructure. The entire IPMC electrode is divided into two parts, i.e., the porous metal electrode and the gradient polymer–metal composite electrode, according to the geometric properties of the electroless plated metal electrode. The validity and accuracy of the model are justified by comparing with the experimental observations of IPMC samples. The differences between model predictions and experimental data of Young’s modulus and surface resistance of IPMC samples are +6.8% and –5.5%, respectively, indicating a reasonably good agreement.