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A novel crenellated ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuator with enhanced electromechanical performances

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) is a promising biomimetic actuator that has received significant attention due to its remarkable high-strain electromechanical performances under low stimulated voltage. Most importantly, it is able to operate in aqueous environment. Nonetheless, the actuation force of the IPMC deteriorates when the applied strain gets too large, which has limited its applications practically. This work has introduced a novel approach that can be used to design crenellated structure on an IPMC actuator for improving its mechanical strength. Numerical simulation has been conducted to optimize the crenellate ratio for achieving larger blocking force and tip deflection. Experimental data has confirmed that the IPMC with the crenellate ratio of 2:3 can improve the blocking force as much as ∼70% and the tip deflection for at least 360%, being much better than the non-crenellated IPMC structure. Dynamic tests were performed at 1 Hz frequency to validate the actuator’s operation in water and air media. The newly proposed crenellated structure can improve the IPMC performances significantly, and it will surely broaden the range of possible applications of the IPMC actuator.