Electromechanical Evaluation of Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites Using Video Analysis

Author(s)

Saccardo, Matheus Colovati ^[1] ; Zuquello, Ariel Gustavo ^[1] ; Goncalves, Roger ^[1] ; Tozzi, Kaique Afonso ^[1] ; Barbosa, Rafael ^[1] ; Hirano, Laos Alexandre ^[2] ; Scuracchio, Carlos Henrique ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Programa Posgrad Ciencia & Engn Mat, Rod Washington Luiz, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Alfenas, Inst Ciencias & Tecnol ICP, Pocos De Caldas Alfenas, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS; v. 24, n. 2 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) are smart materials whose electromechanical behavior depends on the electrical stimulus intensity, membrane hydration level, and ionic migration. This paper investigates the effects of the voltage, relative humidity, and counterion type (Li+ and IC+) on a Nafion-based IPMC performance. Instrumentation capable of applying an electrical stimulus and measuring the electromechanical response was developed. The ionic conductivity was obtained using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Complementary SEM analyses were performed before and after actuation cycles. The IPMC performance improved when the electrical stimulus was 5.00 V, RH = 90%, and Li+ was used. The IPMC-Li sample is an excellent candidate to be used as an actuator since it exhibited fast actuation movement, considerable displacement, and no evident back-relaxation. However, its mechanical performance decreased over time because of a progressive increase in platinum electrode crack density and dehydration. The video analysis technique is an efficient, effective, and low-cost technique. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/10843-9 - Study of deformation behavior of artificial muscles based on electroactive polymers: performance enhancement proposal
• Grantee: Matheus Colovati Saccardo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 18/09761-8 - Study and development of ionic polymer/metal composites for application in actuators and sensors aiming low cost and high performance
• Grantee: Roger Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/02696-6 - Synthesis and characterization of artificial muscles based on SBS block copolymers with selective sulfonation of the phases
• Grantee: Matheus Colovati Saccardo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/07001-6 - Study and characterization of ionic conductive polymers used as artificial muscles: proposals for performance improvement
• Grantee: Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants