Controlled actuation of Nafion-based Ionic Polymer-metal Composites (IPMCs) with Ethylene Glycol as Solvent

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) consist of a perfluorinated ionomer membrane (usually Nafion or Flemion). The ionomer is plated on both faces with a noble metal such as gold or platinum. It is neutralized with a certain amount of counterions that balance the electrical charge of anions covalently fixed to the backbone membrane. IPMCs are electroactive materials that can be used as actuators and sensors. Their electrical-chemical-mechanical response is highly dependent on the cations used, the nature and the amount of solvent uptake, the morphology of the electrodes, and other factors. When a cantilever strip of solvated Nafion-based IPMC sample is subjected to a suddenly applied and sustained (DC) electric potential of several volts (1-3 V) across its faces, it bends towards the anode. For Nafion-based IPMCs with alkali metals, actuation towards the anode is followed by a slow back relaxation towards the cathode. If the electric potential is removed and the two electrodes are shorted during this back relaxation, the sample displays a fast bending deformation towards the cathode and then slowly relaxes back towards the anode, attaining a new equilibrium position generally distinct from its initial state. One way to change various phases of IPMC actuation is achieved by changing input potential. The electric potential inputs may be used to control the actuation of IPMCs. We present the results of a series of tests on Nafion-based IPMCs with ethylene glycol as solvent, actuated under electric potential inputs other than DC electric potential. We present experimental results for increasing ramp and sinusoidal electric potential waveforms.