The effects of the potential and polarization time on the performance of ionic polymer metal composite actuators: a control of forward and reverse displacements

This paper focuses on the dependence of various waveforms of the potential on the displacement of Nafion‐platinum based IPMC actuators at 40 and 90% relative humidity (RH). In comparison with simpler square waveforms, a waveform that is being composed by inclusion of a rest potential of 0 V has given a longer displacement. This benefit was effective at lower humidity conditions. By a polarization, the actuators show three major displacement processes of maximum forward displacement, steady forward displacement, and maximum reverse displacement. Here, the dependence of the potential and polarization time on these displacements has been carefully examined. An increase in the forward displacement by the potential does not strongly affect a slower reverse relaxation. To give a suitable relaxation period before a polarity switching of the potential seems effective to release the internal stress of the actuator. An elevated drive potential has decreased in the bending speed apparently. Finally, it has been noted that the ‘recovery’ of the maximum displacement is possible if a suitable waveform is applied to the actuator. This recovery effect is more remarkable at higher dive potential. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

水分子扩散阻力对IPMC致动特性的影响

基于Tadokoro理论模型,采用有限元方法对离子交换膜金属复合材料(ionic polymer metal composite,IPMC)的电致动特性进行了数值模拟.通过比较求解控制方程中不考虑水分子扩散阻力和考虑水分子扩散力的两种计算模型,着重探讨和比较了水分子扩散阻力对钠离子携带周围水分子的迁移运动规律和变形过程中各个特征物理量的影响.结果表明,控制方程中增加水分子扩散阻力这一非线性项,对最终的宏观挠曲位移影响并不明显;但是对于钠离子浓度、等效应变、内部平衡力分布等物理量影响很大;这种影响还具有区域性特征,主要集中于电极板附近区域,其他区域影响较弱.控制方程中增加水分子扩散力可以更准确地描述钠离子在迁移过程各物理量的变化规律.     

Pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the bending displacement and force generation of ionomer‐based polymer actuators

This paper discusses results of the pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the bending displacement and force generation of ionomer‐based polymer actuators. The idea of PWM control for polymer actuators is based on the frequency dependence on relaxation processes of the bending motion of the actuator. The actuators were fabricated by electroless plating of platinum on a perfluorinated sulfonated polymer (i.e. Nafion). It was noted that the duty cycles of PWM can smoothly control both the displacement and force generated by the actuator. The performance of the actuator was evaluated under 40%RH and 90%RH conditions because of the moisture sensitivity of the actuators. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.