Ionic polymer-metal composite Measurement

Keshavarzi, A., Shahinpoor, M., Kim, K. J. and Lantz, J. W. (1999). Blood pressure, pulse rate, and rhythm measurement using ionic polymer-metal composite sensors, in J. Bar-Cohen (ed.). Smart Structures and Materials 1999 Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices, Vol. 3669 (SPIE, Bellingham, WA), pp. 369-376. 

This chapter describes how to start experiments with ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators. In the first part, a fabrication of IPMC actuator element is summarized. In the next part, how to setup a measurement system of IPMC actuator and test the actuator performance is described. In the last part, a control method of IPMC actuator is discussed. From the information in this chapter, experiments with IPMC actuators can be started. 

Rajagopalan etal. [4] reported the synthesis of sulphonated polyetherimide and subsequent synthesis of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC) by depositing platinum on both sides of the polymer membrane by electroless plating process for use in actuators. The TGA and NMR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of sulfonic groups in the polymer backbone. The content of sulfur in the polymer membrane was measured to be 4.68% by EDX analysis and the degree of sulfonation could also be controlled. SEM micrographs of the composite membrane also confirmed the uniform formation of small platinum particles on the surface of polymer membrane as shown in Figure 1.5. The thickness of... 

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