Novel electro-active polymer actuator based on ionic networking membrane of PSMI-incorporated PVDF

Abstract

There is growing interest in searching for new smart materials, which responds to external stimuli by changes in shape or size and can be utilized in biomimetic motions. To develop artificial muscles with improved performance, a novel electro-active polymer actuator was prepared by employing the newly-synthesized ionic networking membrane of poly (styrene-<i>alt</i>-maleimide) (PSMI)-incorporated poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that much smaller and more uniform platinum particles were formed on the surfaces of the actuator fabricated through the electroless-plating technique as well as within its polymer matrix. Under constant voltage excitation, the tip displacement of the actuator constructed with the ionic network membrane was several times larger than that of its Nafion^(R) counterpart of similar thickness without straightening-back. Under the stimulus of alternating-current voltage, the newly-developed actuator displayed an excellent harmonic performance, and the measured mechanical displacement was comparable to that of the Nafion^(R)-based actuator. The nice electromechanical response, especially the large tip displacement, is attributed to two factors: the inherent large ionic-exchange capacity and the unique hydrophilic nanochannels of the ionic networking membrane. The actuator of PSMI-incorporated PVDF has some advantages over the most widely-used traditional Nafion-based actuator by diversifying niche applications in biomimetic motion, and the present study may possibly open a new avenue for the design and fabrication of the electro-active polymer with unique functional properties.