Abstract
A high performance ionic polymer-metal composite actuator (IPMC) based on proton conductivity of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) was fabricated using a simple and novel method. Poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA) as a well-known hydrophilic proton conductive functional group was radiation grafted on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at different graft levels. The material system is well known for the proton exchange membranes of fuel cells, however, its IPMC application is novel. Flexible, soft and porous membranes were prepared by simple solution casting technique. Physical, mechanical, thermal and actuation properties of prepared membranes were characterized and compared with Nafion®. The membrane with highest graft level showed comparable ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity with that of Nafion whereas its water uptake is near three-fold greater than Nafion. To make PVDF-g-PSSA based IPMC actuators, Pt particles were deposited on both sides of the membranes using electroless plating method. Actuation performance of the IPMC actuators under various AC potentials and different frequencies were investigated in air. The results revealed that the PVDF-g-PSSA membrane with highest graft level showed highest average bending strain at 0.1 Hz and 4 V. The enhanced bending actuation behavior was attributed to porous morphology and large water uptake of graft polymerized actuators. Compared with traditional Nafion-based IPMC, our bending actuator is cheaper, and its preparation is fast and simple. So, it can be a viable replacement candidate for the traditional Nafion in soft actuator systems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.