Electric Field Frequency and Strength Effects on Au-Electrode Damage for an Electroactive Paper Actuator Coated with Polypyrrole

Abstract

The causes of Au-electrode damage to an electroactive paper (EAPap) actuator coated with Au and polypyrrole (PPy) were investigated with various electric field frequencies and strengths. The resonance frequency of 3.5 Hz was obtained for 3 and 4 V. Electric field frequencies below (2 Hz) the resonance frequency yielded a faster bending displacement reduction than those of the higher resonance frequency. High electric field strength (4 V) shows a faster reduction of bending displacement than lower field strength (3 V). The degree of Au-electrode damage after a certain period of actuation is shown in field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images. The electric field strength and frequency and bending displacement reduction were found to be closely related to the degree of Au-electrode damage.