Integrated fabrication process with multiple optimized factors for high power density of IPMC actuator

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are typical smart materials that are commonly used in bionic applications, including soft robots, bionic flapping aircraft, and bionic fish. However, their low output force seriously limits device performance. Stacking of multiple IPMC actuators to improve the overall performance of soft actuators is a strategy that is used in practical applications. Under the energy dissipation condition in the IPMC stacking structure, if each single IPMC in the structure has high power density, the structure will produce excellent performance with high efficiency that can greatly promote wider application of IPMC actuators. To meet this requirement, a method for fabrication process integration with multiple optimized factors was used to obtain IPMC materials in this paper. Carbon nanotube (CNT) doping, isopropyl alcohol-assisted plating, and hot pressing with a mesoscopic structural mold were selected as typical optimization methods for process integration and were initially investigated separately to determine the optimal process parameters. By combining the best process parameters in an integrated process, the IPMC treated by isopropyl alcohol-assisted plating and CNT doping process (No. AC7) showed excellent actuation performance and high work density (~9.71/12.36 gf, ~14.93/31.89 kJ/m3 under 3/4 VDC). The enhanced performance meets the requirements for practical bionic applications.