Considerations for Contractile Electroactive Polymeric Materials and Actuators

[摘要] Ras Labs produces electroactive polymer (EAP) based materials and actuators that bend, swell, ripple and now contract (new development) with low electric input. This is an important attribute because of the ability of contraction to produce life-like motion. The mechanism of contraction is not well understood. Radionuclide-labeled experiments were conducted to follow the movement of electrolytes and water in these EAPs when activated. Extreme temperature experiments were performed on the contractile EAPs with very favorable results. One of the biggest challenges in developing these actuators, however, is the electrode-EAP interface because of the pronounced movement of the EAP. Plasma treatments of metallic electrodes were investigated in order to improve the attachment of the embedded electrodes to the EAP material. Surface analysis, adhesive testing, and mechanical testing were conducted to test metal surfaces and metal-polymer interfaces. The nitrogen plasma treatment of titanium produced a strong metal-polymer interface; however, oxygen plasma treatment of both stainless steel and titanium produced even stronger metal-polymer interfaces. Plasma treatment of the electrodes allows for the embedded electrodes and the EAP material of the actuator to work and move as a unit, with no detachment, by significantly improving the metal-polymer interface.

[发布日期] 2009-06-16

[学科分类] 原子、分子光学和等离子物理

[关键词] ACTUATORS;ADHESIVES;CONTRACTION;ELECTRODES;ELECTROLYTES;NITROGEN;OXYGEN;PLASMA;POLYMERS;STAINLESS STEELS;TESTING;TITANIUM;WATER Plasma Surface Modification;Electroactive polymers;Artificial musce actuator