Mechanical and Electrochemical Damage Mechanism of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuators

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K05687
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Materials/Mechanics of materials
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Omiya Masaki 慶應義塾大学, 理工学部(矢上), 教授 (30302938)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ソフトアクチュエータ / 高分子 / 薄膜 / 疲労 / 破壊 / 損傷

Outline of Final Research Achievements

An ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator undergoes a large bending motion when a low electric field is applied across its thickness under a wet environment. This actuator is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and artificial muscles. In this study, IPMC actuators with palladium electrodes were used. However, it was found that this actuator had very randomly deformation properties when AC voltage was applied. Therefore, in this study, the degradation mechanisms of IPMC actuators were revealed from mechanical and electrical points of view. The results suggested that it is important to suppress the surface crack initiation and propagation to ensure the long-term reliability of IPMC actuators.

Free Research Field

材料力学