Deflection of single or multi layered actuators prepared from conductive polymers or ionic polymer metal composites are normally measured using a costly laser displacement sensor. Here we have developed a cheap alternative method utilising a smartphone camera and MATLAB to track and measure deflection of the actuator. We have demonstrated and measured the deflection of an actuator with a least count of few microns inside an electrolyte, which is difficult even with a conventional laser displacement sensor. This can be used to measure deflection of actuators inside an electrolyte as well as free standing in air.

Non-contact measurement of deflection of conductive polymer actuators in liquids using smartphone camera

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.