Design of Nafion actuator with enhanced displacement

Mikio Uchida; Chunye Xu; Marie Le Guilly; Minoru Taya

doi:10.1117/12.475149

11 July 2002 Design of Nafion actuator with enhanced displacement

Mikio Uchida, Chunye Xu, Marie Le Guilly, Minoru Taya

Proceedings Volume 4695, Smart Structures and Materials 2002: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD); (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.475149
Event: SPIE's 9th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2002, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A new actuator system has been developed. This actuator uses Nafion, a solid electrolyte, in combination with Platinum Copper (Pt-Cu) electrodes and mobile ions of Cu²⁺ to create much larger actuation displacement at smaller levels of applied voltage (1V or less). This actuator provides bending deformation. Large deformation is provided by electrode reaction of copper. Since this reaction is reversible, Cu electrode is not consumed by using polarity change of applied voltage. This actuation mechanism is different from others. Because the induction of the large deflection of Nafion, the large number of the mobile cations is essential. Although it is possible to induce a large deflection by applying a higher electric field as alternative way, this would introduce the electrolysis of water that is not desired unless the device is always submerged in water. To convert bending deformation to liner actuation, we designed a device using a pair of Nafion actuator, which is termed as loop actuator. This loop actuator can be designed into the device with large force by making parallel array. Solid polymer electrolyte-metal composite actuator contains water inside. Therefore coating that prevents water from evaporation is needed for its use in dry condition.

Citation Download Citation

Mikio Uchida, Chunye Xu, Marie Le Guilly, and Minoru Taya "Design of Nafion actuator with enhanced displacement", Proc. SPIE 4695, Smart Structures and Materials 2002: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), (11 July 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.475149

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