Enhanced IPMC actuation by thermal cycling

Jonathan Rossiter; Kazuto Takashima; Toshiharu Mukai

doi:10.1117/12.915473

3 April 2012 Enhanced IPMC actuation by thermal cycling

Jonathan Rossiter, Kazuto Takashima, Toshiharu Mukai

Proceedings Volume 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012; 83401J (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915473
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

IPMCs are bi-polar actuators capable of large, rapid actuation in flexural configurations. The limit of actuation is defined by the maximal voltage that can be applied to the IPMC, above which electrolysis of the electrolyte and damage to the IPMC may occur. In this paper we present preliminary results that indicate how this actuation limit could be tuned and even exceeded through controlled thermal cycling of gold-plated Nafion IPMCs. Thermal cycling is used to move the centre point of the actuation stroke. Subsequent voltage stimulation actuates the structure around this new centre point. It is shown that by further thermal cycling this centre point naturally returns to its initial position. By exploiting this shape memory characteristic as part of a control system it is expected that more sophisticated IPMC actuation will be achievable.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan Rossiter, Kazuto Takashima, and Toshiharu Mukai "Enhanced IPMC actuation by thermal cycling", Proc. SPIE 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012, 83401J (3 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915473

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