Electrostatic and thermal segmentation of multi-segment IPMC sensor-actuators

Jonathan Rossiter; Toshiharu Mukai

doi:10.1117/12.880410

28 March 2011 Electrostatic and thermal segmentation of multi-segment IPMC sensor-actuators

Jonathan Rossiter, Toshiharu Mukai

Proceedings Volume 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011; 79761C (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880410
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper presents two new methods for the segmentation of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) in order to create sophisticated multi-segment sensor-actuators. The first method is based on the application of a heated stylus which, through a combination of water vaporization and melting of the Nafion substrate removes and redistributes electrode material. The second method is based on spark discharge machining; a process used in industry to machine extremely hard conducting materials such as titanium and pre-hardened steel. In contrast to previous segmentation methods including laser ablation, machining and manual scraping these methods are extremely inexpensive, safe, accurate and quick. Spark discharge segmentation in particular is an attractive method due to its self-limiting nature, which makes it robust to variations in segmentation speed and applied pressure. These two methods are presented and assessed through the fabrication of a series of multi-segment actuators. Actuation results are presented for a two segment spark-discharge segmented cilia-like IPMC actuator.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan Rossiter and Toshiharu Mukai "Electrostatic and thermal segmentation of multi-segment IPMC sensor-actuators", Proc. SPIE 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011, 79761C (28 March 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880410

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