Synthesis and characterization of conducting interpenetrating polymer networks for new actuators

The synthesis of conducting interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) for actuator applications is described. The IPNs are synthesized from poly(ethylene oxide) and polybutadiene networks in which the conducting polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)), PEDOT, is gradually dispersed, i.e. its content decreases from the outside towards the centre of the film. The conducting IPN morphology was investigated by electrical resistance measurements and DMA. For actuation experiments, aqueous or organic electrolyte solutions were used but the best results were obtained with a room temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMITFSI).