This book discusses the fundamental of bending actuation with a focus on ionic metal composites. It describes the applications of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators, from conventional robotic systems to compliant micro robotic systems used to handle the miniature and fragile components during robotic micro assembly. It also presents mathematical modelings of actuators for engineering, biomedical, medical and environmental systems. The fundamental relation of IPMC actuators to the biomimetic systems are also included.

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.

Electroactivity in Polymeric Materials provides an in-depth view of the theory of electroactivity and explores exactly how and why various electroactive phenomena occur. The book explains the theory behind electroactive bending (including ion-polymer-metal-composites –IPMCs), dielectric elastomers, electroactive contraction, and electroactive contraction-expansion cycles. The book also balances theory with applications – how electroactivity can be used – drawing inspiration from the manmade mechanical world and the natural world around us.

"The field of electroactive polymers (EAPs) is rapidly growing. These materials are being scouted for use as linear actuators, specifically in the areas of artificial muscle design, and also for use as biomimetic sensors. IPMCs, or ionic polymer metal composites, are a form of EAP that are being proposed for application in both of these fields. IPMCs are composed of a solvated ionic EAP sandwiched between two metal electrodes. In the literature, there are a wealth of conceptual designs and data related to the use of IPMCs as actuators. However, sufficient data and characterization related to their use as sensors is grossly deficient. This research aims to rectify the gap between the theoretical concept of using these materials for sensing and actual proof of concept by quantifying voltage responses due to small force inputs in various electrolytes (LiCl, NiCl2, NiSO4, and De-Ionized water.) Two different load profiles were implemented to evaluate the voltage response to a continuous input, to assess the feasibility of using IPMCs as a precision sensor, and to a cyclical input, to assess the feasibility of using IPMCs as a simpler binary sensor. Normal and reversed polarity voltage profiles were also collected to quantify the reversibility of the material response. Results from the study showed that the IPMCs showed a reversible response in all liquids tested. The results also showed that the response of the materials in LiCl was the least sensitive, but showed good repeatability, while the response in NiCl2 exhibited the greatest sensitivity, but the worst repeatability. The response in NiSO4 was slightly more sensitive than in LiCl and only slightly less repeatable, but the materials in NiSO4 demonstrated an almost completely reversible response. Interestingly, the response in DI water was only slightly less sensitive than in NiCl2 and results obtained using DI water demonstrated the feasibility of developing an IPMC sensor using DI water as the electrolyte. Overall, the data shows that regardless of the electrolyte of choice, IPMCs demonstrate a repeatable response to a force input and show promise for either precision or 'binary' tactile sensors."--Abstract.