Electro-actuation characteristics of Cl₂ and SF₆ plasma-treated IPMC actuators

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<P>This paper describes plasma treatments that improve the actuation properties by modifying the surface morphology of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC). The proposed Cl<SUB>2</SUB> and SF<SUB>6</SUB> plasmas change the surface appearance of the electroactive polymer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the plasma-treated surfaces reveals the development of round and cone-shaped microstructures. After electroless chemical metal plating, these microstructures significantly alter the characteristics of the IPMC electrode. In plasma-treated IPMCs, the densely packed platinum nanoparticles have produced a relatively thick electrode layer. This configuration has led to the improvement in the electrical properties of the IPMC: surface resistance is noticeably decreased, whereas electrical capacitance is increased. These changes in the electrical properties have considerably enhanced the actuation parameters: displacement, force and operational life are increased by more than three times relative to the conventional IPMC. Our experimental data suggest a relationship between the IPMC actuator’s electrical properties and actuation parameters: actuators with lower surface resistance generate large deflection and actuators with higher capacitance generate large actuation force. The actuation tests including coin lifting suggests the potential of the modified IPMC for artificial muscle applications.</P>