The effects of electrode surface morphology on the actuation performance of IPMC

Authors

Viljar Palmre, University of Nevada - RenoFollow
David Pugal, University of Nevada - Reno
Kam K. Leang, University of Nevada - RenoFollow
Kwang J. Kim, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-9-2013

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE - Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD)

Publisher

SPIE

Volume

8687

Abstract

It is generally understood that increasing the specific surface area of the electrodes of IPMC leads to improved electromechanical performance of the material. Most physics based models compensate the effect of high surface area of the electrodes by increasing both diffusion constant and dielectric permittivity values, while using flat electrode approximation in calculations. Herein, a model was developed to take into account the shape and area of the electrodes. High surface area of the electrodes in the model was achieved by designing 2D polymer-electrode interface as a Koch fractal structure – different generation depths and both unidirectional and random directional generations were studied. The calculations indicate that increasing the generation depth of fractals, thus surface area of the electrodes results in more overall transported charge during the actuation process. Based on the model, the effect of the specific surface area of the electrodes on the electromechanical performance was experimentally investigated. IPMCs with different Pd-Pt electrode structures were prepared and their electromechanical and electrochemical properties were examined and discussed. The methods to manipulate the surface structure of Pd-Pt electrodes were proposed.

Keywords

Electrochemistry; Electromechanical devices; Metal-filled plastics; Metal-filled plastics – Electrical properties; Surfaces – Areas and volumes

Disciplines

Electrical and Computer Engineering | Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Language

English

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.

Repository Citation

Palmre, V., Pugal, D., Leang, K. K., Kim, K. J. (2013). The effects of electrode surface morphology on the actuation performance of IPMC. Proceedings of SPIE - Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), 8687 SPIE.