Actuator based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/PEO/elastomer IPNs

Abstract

In order to solve the interface and adhesion problems encountered with multilayered actuators, IPN based actuators are presented. The IPNs are synthesized between poly(ethylene oxide) and polybutadiene networks in which the conducting polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)), PEDOT, is gradually dispersed i.e. the content decreases from the outside towards the center of the film. The conducting IPN morphology was investigated by DMA and microscopy. The choice of the solid polymer electrolyte system is critical when operating in air. Aqueous solution or organic solvents containing electrolytes were first used, but drying failure could not be prevented. The most promising results are obtained with a room temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMITFSI). During the redox reactions involving PEDOT in EMITFSI, a cation transfer mechanism occurred. Moreover, the bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion behaves as a plasticizing agent for the IPN matrix. We observed that no degradation of the conducting polymer and no drying process occurred during period as long as 3 months. These actuators can achieve more than 7 E6 bendings from 1 to 18 Hz under applied potential from 2 to 5 V