Characterization of a new interpenetrated network conductive polymer- (IPN-CP) and new designs for a otential linear actuator that works in air

Abstract

Electro-Active Polymer actuators (EAP) are an active area of research with very promising potentials. In this work we characterize, in terms of force and displacement, a novel interpenetrated network conductive polymer (IPN-CP) in order to investigate its actuation potential. The IPN-CP technique allows to make EAP materials that work in air conditions, making possible EAPs' spreading to many application fields such as robotics, bionics, haptics interface technology, etc. We conducted different laboratory experiments. Obtained results show that the proposed actuator exhibits acceptable force behavior and capabilities (relatively to its size and mass). This paper also proposes a new way to conceive such actuators to obtain linear actuation, with preliminary tests and a tactile display concept. This last property widens even more the potentials of such actuators.