Axial Motion Characterization of a Helical Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuator and Its Application in 3-DOF Micro-Parallel Platforms

Abstract

In this work, a helical ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) was fabricated by thermal treatment in a mold with helix grooves. The axial actuation behaviors of the helical IPMC actuator were observed, and the electromechanical and electrochemical characteristics were evaluated. The experimental results showed that as the voltage increased and the frequency decreased, the axial displacement, axial force, and electric current of the actuator all increased. Compared with square wave and sinusoidal signals, the actuator exhibited the most satisfactory motion under the direct current (DC) signal. For the electrochemical test, as the scanning rate decreased, the gravimetric specific capacitance increased. Within a suitable voltage range, the actuator was chemically stable. In addition, we coupled the Electrostatics module, Transport of Diluted Species module, and Solid Mechanics module in COMSOL Multiphysics software to model and analyze the helical IPMC actuator. The simulation data obtained were in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, by using three helical IPMC actuators as driving components, an innovative three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) micro-parallel platform was designed, and it could realize a complex coupling movement of pitch, roll, and yaw under the action of an electric field. This platform is expected to be used in micro-assembly, flexible robots, and other fields.

Application‐Oriented Modeling of Soft Actuator Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites: A Review

“…The simulation using the model provided was in good agreement with the experimental results of simple harmonic input motion. Wu et al [ 14 ] designed a spiral IPMC, built a multiphysics model, and simulated the model using Comsol Multiphysics. The simulation data of the model is in good agreement with the data measured by the prepared spiral IPMC sample.…”

“…Cheong et al [ 148 ] and Chang et al [ 18 ] both proposed wirelessly powered IPMC operating devices based on external radio frequency (RF) magnetic field operation. Using the developed axially actuating IPMCs, Wu et al [ 14 ] developed a three‐degree of freedom microparallel platform (Figure 11g), which can realize complex coupled motion of pitch, roll, and yaw.…”

“…According to the focus of model research, it can be divided into research on internal mass transport and actuation characteristic and research on the structural characteristics of IPMC. It can predict IPMC displacement, [14,104,105,111,112,[114][115][116][117][118][119]122] optimize IPMC performance, [114,121,122] and develop IPMC-based devices. [14,18,118,123] 4.3.…”

“…[6,7] It is noiseless, has a high strain capacity, can operate in a humid environment, and can bend, sway, and axial movement. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Due to their superior performance characteristics, IPMC actuators have been created as micropumps, soft grippers, drug release devices, biomimetic fishes, etc. [15][16][17][18] IPMCs are a novel class of soft electroactive materials that are micrometer-scale layered devices.…”

Preparation and Electrochemical Performance Analysis of Flexible Ionic Polymers by Freeze-Drying Technology

“…In previous studies, researchers found that the performance of IPMC is associated with its specifc capacitance and conductivity. Wu et al measured the electrochemical properties of helical IPMC and found that its properties were closely related to mechanical properties [15]. Sun [16] analyzed an IPMC MWCNT/MnO 2 composite electrode, and proved that the IPMC's capacitor, the output power density, specifc capacitance, and the changing trend of strain are basically identical; they also found that the performance of IPMC is related to the content of MWCNT and MnO 2 .…”