Effect of chitosan and ions on actuation behavior of cellulose–chitosan laminated films as electro-active paper actuators

Cellulose-chitosan laminated films were made for Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) actuators and the effect of chitosan and different types of free ions namely, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and CF₃COO⁻ were investigated on the actuation behavior. The fabrication process of the films was explained and the actuation performance was tested in terms of bending displacement of the actuators. It was observed that, chitosan content and type of free ions influence the tip displacement of the actuators. Cl⁻ was found the best free ion among others, and detail observations are explained. By laminating chitosan layer on the cellulose films, the humidity sensitiveness of cellulose EAPap actuators was reduced.