This book focuses on electro active polymer material known as Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) having unique applicability as sensor and actuator which finds extensive use in various domain of engineering and science research. Apart from fundamentals of the IPMC concept, various applications are covered extensively across the chapters including space, underwater and nanoscale, including manufacturing processes. Dedicated chapters are included for robotics and biomedical applications and possible research gaps. Future research perspectives for IPMC are also discussed. Features: Covers principle of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC), manufacturing processes, applications, and future possibilities in a systematic manner Highlights IPMC practical applicability in biomedical engineering domain Explores Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) based IPMC soft actuators Discusses IPMC applications in underwater areas Includes IPMC application in robotics focusing on special compliant mechanism This book is aimed toward researchers, graduate students and professionals in materials and mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, biomedical engineering, and physics.

A comprehensive resource on ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) edited by the leading authority on the subject.

This book includes representative research from the state‐of‐the‐art in the emerging field of soft robotics, with a special focus on bioinspired soft robotics for underwater applications. Topics include novel materials, sensors, actuators, and system design for distributed estimation and control of soft robotic appendages inspired by the octopus and seastar. It summarizes the latest findings in an emerging field of bioinspired soft robotics for the underwater domain, primarily drawing from (but not limited to) an ongoing research program in bioinspired autonomous systems sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The program has stimulated cross‐disciplinary research in biology, material science, computational mechanics, and systems and control for the purpose of creating novel robotic appendages for maritime applications. The book collects recent results in this area.

Composite materials are used as substitutions of metals/traditional materials in aerospace, automotive, civil, mechanical and other industries. The present book collects the current knowledge and recent developments in the characterization and application of composite materials. To this purpose the volume describes the outstanding properties of this class of advanced material which recommend it for various industrial applications.

A comprehensive resource on ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) edited by the leading authority on the subject.

"This book explores the advancement of instrumentation in various applications"--

Giving fundamental information on one of the most promising families of smart materials, electroactive polymers (EAP) this exciting new titles focuses on the several biomedical applications made possible by these types of materials and their related actuation technologies. Each chapter provides a description of the specific EAP material and device configuration used, material processing, device assembling and testing, along with a description of the biomedical application. Edited by well-respected academics in the field of electroactive polymers with contributions from renowned international experts, this is an excellent resource for industrial and academic research scientists, engineers, technicians and graduate students working with polymer actuators or in the fields of polymer science.