Ionic polymer metal-composite (IPMC) actuators: Augmentation of their actuation force capability

In this paper, the performance improvement of IPMC actuators is attempted focusing on increasing their actuation force. It has been found that IPMCs with propylene carbonate as their solvent and using lithium as their cation, they could operate in air without solvent evaporation and also with superior actuation forces. Experiments using IPMCs with the new electrolyte have been conducted, being their performance compared with IPMCs containing water and sodium ions in terms of displacement and force.