Experimental characterization and modeling of ionic polymer-metal composites as biomimetic actuators, sensors, and artificial muscles

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are soft bending actuators and sensors. A typical IPMC consists of a thin perfluorinated ionomer membrane, noble metal electrodes plated on both faces, and is neutralized with the necessary amount of cations. They respond to electric stimulus by generating large bending motions and produce electric signals upon sudden bending deformations. These actuation and sensing responses, which result from the coupled chemo-electro-mechanical interactions at the nano-scale level, depend on the structure of the ionomer, the morphology of the metal electrodes, the nature of the cations, and the degree of the hydration. IPMCs have been considered for potential applications in artificial muscles, robotic systems, medical devices, and other biomimetic applications.; A series of systematic experimental characterizations are performed on both Nafion- and Flemion-based IPMCs in various cation forms. Compared with Nafion-based IPMCs, Flemion-based IPMCs with fine dendritic gold electrodes have higher ion-exchange capacity, better surface conductivity, higher hydration capacity, and higher longitudinal stiffness. Flemion-based IPMCs show a greater bending deformation towards the anode without back relaxation under a DC voltage. This displacement towards the anode is linearly related to the charge accumulation at the cathode. In contrast, Nafion-based IPMCs in alkali-metal cations initially have a fast bending towards the anode, followed by a slow relaxation in the opposite direction as charges continue to move towards the cathode boundary layer.; Based on the understanding of the factors that affect IPMCs' performance, novel methods to tailor the IPMCs' electro-mechanical responses are developed. By modifying the associated cations, i.e., introducing various single cations (including alkali-metal, alkyl-ammonium, or multivalent metal cations) and cation combinations, diverse actuation behaviors can be obtained and optimized. The actuation motions of IPMCs can also be tailored through the applied DC or AC functions. It is found that the Nafion-based IPMC's initial motion towards the anode can be controlled and ultimately eliminated by applying a potential ramp at a suitably slow rate. These results have significant bearing on verifying various IPMC actuation models.