Functionality of ionic electroactive polymer (IEAP) actuators is based on mobility of ions through conductive network composite (CNC) layers. Ionic permeability and electrical conductivity of CNC layers are defining factors of efficiency of IEAP actuators. In this work we have demonstrated control of ionic permeability and electrical conductivity of CNC layers by incorporating and controlling the volume density of gold nanoparticles in CNC layers. Varying the concentration of gold nanoparticles in CNC thin-films was used as a means to control the CNC�ion interfacial area and electrical resistance of CNC. Increasing the interfacial area and electrical conductivity of the CNC, while maintaining porosity, provide means for mobilization of more ions at a significantly shorter time, which results in generation of strain at a faster rate. We have demonstrated that cationic strain and time-dependent response to a square-wave voltage in actuators with denser CNCs is improved by 64% and 460% respectively.

Influence of gold nanoparticle concentration on the electrochemical performance of ionic electroactive polymer actuators

244th National Meeting (2012)

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