| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T21: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Advances in Surface Engineering
|
| Presentation Title |
Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) Degradation Study and Solution Considerations for Biomimetic Thin-film Actuator Applications |
| Author(s) |
Allison Arnold, Kavin Sivaneri Varadharajan Idhaiam, Lisa Hilgar, William Brion, Edward Sabolsky, Ji Su |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Allison Arnold |
| Abstract Scope |
The development of high-quality and cost-effective materials engineered for specific property enhancements has resulted in the development of adaptable multifunctional materials. Ionic-type electroactive polymers (I-EAPs) and ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have great promise as electromechanical sensors and actuators due to their relatively large responses to low applied voltages (≤ 3 V) and mechanical strains. Investigations into IPMC’s performance potentials as actuators have proven challenging due to the material’s high susceptibility to external influence (voltage, environmental conditions, external loads, etc.). Most significant is the material’s performance correlations with saturation level. This research seeks to not only to characterize and quantify the material’s hydration responsive behaviors, but also investigate potential solutions which would allow for increased service life of the actuator. Most notably is the consideration of surface engineered modifications to IPMC actuators, including encapsulation solutions for inert isolation of the material, and emphasis of the material’s biomimetic and bio-compatible features. |