Abstract
The blended ion-exchange membrane of Nafion and poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) [P(VA-co-E)] was used to fabricate a new type of ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC). P(VA-co-E) solution was blended in Nafion solution by a volume ratio of 30% and 50% and membranes were prepared through a solution casting method. The blend membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. IPMCs based on these membranes were fabricated by deposition of platinum electrode onto their surface via electroless plating process. The two-point probe measured electrode surface resistance of all prepared IPMCs was less than 2.0 cm−1. We further characterized the cross-sectional morphology and studied the electromechanical performances (displacement and blocking force) of the prepared IPMC actuators. The IPMC actuators with the blended Nafion membranes demonstrated comparable electromechanical performance to the Nafion membrane by significantly reducing the content of Nafion.
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