Reported is realization of a novel ionic electroactive biomimetic soft robotic polymer metal nanocomposite known as poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) metal composite (called EMAMC in this paper) capable of functioning as soft robotic biomimetic actuators, energy harvesters and sensors. By soft robotic it is meant that these materials are easily deformable soft plastics like an elephant trunk. Further reported is the manufacturing methodology of the novel multi-functional electroactive polymer metal nanocomposite EMAMC. The electro-less chemical plating is performed by a chemical REDOX operation on poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) or (PEMAA) ionomer with a metal. PEMAA is a commercially available ionomer commercially known as Surlyn Ò by DuPont and used for manufacturing golf balls. Surlyn Ò is a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid groups and is partially neutralized with Na ? ions. To increase the ion exchange capability of Surlyn Ò the polymer is subjected to a chemical hydrolysis in potassium and sodium hydroxides (KOH, NaOH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This procedure is followed by a chemical REDOX procedure in which PEMAA is first oxidized in a metallic salt solution followed and then reduced in a lithium and sodium borohydride solutions to deposit metallic nanoparticles near boundaries and on the surfaces of hydrolyzed Surlyn Ò . This REDOX operation creates highly conductive electrodes on and near boundary surfaces. It is then observed that application of a low voltage across the EMAMC causes it to deform softly (actuation mode) with a significant force density and soft bending and deforming the EMAMC will generate electricity (energy harvesting and sensing modes). The preliminary results of actuation and sensing of the EMAMC are reported in this paper.

Herein, we report the production of ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) hybridized with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as a partial substitute for Nafion®. The aim is not only to reduce the production cost and enhance respective mechanical/thermal properties but also to bestow a considerable degree of biodegradability to such products. Formulations with different CNF/Nafion® ratios were produced in a thin-film casting process. Crack-free films were air-dried and plated by platinum (Pt) through an oxidation-reduction reaction. The produced hybrids were analyzed in terms of thermal stability, mechanical and morphological aspects to examine their performance compared to the Nafion-based IPMC prior to plating process. Results indicated that films with higher CNF loadings had improved tensile strengths and elastic moduli but reduced ductility. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the incorporation of CNF to the matrix reduced its thermal stability almost linearly, however, the onset of decomposition point remained above 120 °C, which was far above the temperature the composite membrane is expected to be exposed to. The addition of a cross-linking agent to the formulations helped with maintaining the integrity of the membranes during the plating process, thereby improving surface conductivity. The focus of the current study was on the physical and morphological properties of the films, and the presented data advocate the potential utilization of CNF as a nontoxic and sustainable bio-polymer for blending with perfluorosulfonic acid-based co-polymers, such as Nafion®, to be used in electroactive membranes.

This paper presents the novel multimodal sensing capabilities of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) for measuring linear and rotational deformations. Two IPMC samples with Gold (Au) and black Platinum (Pt) electrodes were manufactured, and their responses under twisting and axial compression/tension were investigated. To perform consistent and rigorous experiments to study the multimodal sensing capabilities of the IPMC samples, an experimental test bed was developed that enabled the application of twisting, axial compression, and axial tension to the IPMC strips both in a separate and combined manner, while recording their generated voltage responses. Through rigorous experiments, this study demonstrates the unique sensing capabilities of IPMCs to create distributed nanosensing over the entire body of the IPMC sample. Upon various types of deformations, IPMCs were shown to generate unique and distinct output voltage signals that were highly correlated with the type of motions induced. In particular, the strongest correlations of more than 0.9 were found between the IPMCs' responses and the applied mechanical stimuli in the twisting and axial compression modes, while moderate correlations were observed in the axial tension mode. These results provide a proof-of-concept for the future use of IPMCs as flexible and versatile sensors for measuring linear and rotational motions in applications such as wearable soft robotics.

The designers' heuristic approach has been the subject of research, with a view to developing algorithms that can be used in automated design systems. However, apart from some general achievements, viable results are not sufficiently available to be employed in machine tool design procedures. The existing algorithms suffer serious deficiencies, restraining their viable use. In pursuit of a total solution, the current authors have proposed an enhanced methodology on the basis of a weighted priority system that can be used for various steps of machine tool design practice and competitiveness evaluation procedure. The core idea of this methodology is based on prioritization of design factors. The weighted priority orders of input information and the degree and intensity of connectivity existing between input information and design factors are used to decide the priorities of design factors. This methodical approach can assist in developing consistency among the designers throughout design procedures, improving competence of young engineers, and developing total solutions and CAD programs. Its applications have been illustrated by examples of layout, assembly, and component design for machining centres and lathes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of using IPMC as a flexible impact sensor to be used in typical impact protective devices like a protective headgear to estimate the severity level of head impacts. To that end, IPMC strips were embedded into two layers of protective dilatant material and several impact testings were performed. Results of output IPMC voltage and impact acceleration were captured and analyzed. IPMCs appear to present a potential as impact sensors. In so doing, small strips of either Platinum or Gold chemically-plated IPMCs were used. Results of IPMC voltage output and impact accelerations were reported. The results indicate that IPMCs can be used as flexible impact sensors.