Study on fatigue damage mechanism of Ionic Polymer Metal (IPMC) actuator

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24760084
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Materials/Mechanics of materials
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: OMIYA Masaki 慶應義塾大学, 理工学部, 准教授 (30302938)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: アクチュエータ / 高分子 / 金属 / 薄膜 / 疲労 / イオン / 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. IPMC actuators are thus promising for a wide range of applications. However, basic understanding of long-term durability under AC voltage has not been revealed. Therefore, in this project, we aimed to evaluate the deformation properties of IPMC actuator under long-term AC voltage. To evaluate deformation properties, tip displacement and the voltage between both electrodes were measured. Additionally, by the AC impedance measurement, three electric factors that could cause the change of deformation properties were examined. It is concluded that there are three degradation mechanism for the long-term motion of IPMC actuator; ion migration in Nafion membrane, mechanical damage on electrodes, and chemical reaction on electrodes.

Free Research Field

材料力学・破壊力学