Effects of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Insulating Layers on the Driving Performance of Ionic Electroactive Polymer Actuators for Light-Weight Artificial Muscles
To improve the energy efficiency and driving performance of ionic electroactive polymer actuators, we propose inserting insulating layers of 170 nm hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) particles between the ionic polymer membrane and electrodes. In experiments, actuators exhibited better capacitance (4.02...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2022-04-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/9/4981 |
| Summary: | To improve the energy efficiency and driving performance of ionic electroactive polymer actuators, we propose inserting insulating layers of 170 nm hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) particles between the ionic polymer membrane and electrodes. In experiments, actuators exhibited better capacitance (4.020 × 10<sup>−1</sup> F), displacement (6.01 mm), and curvature (35.59 m<sup>−1</sup>) with such layers than without them. The excellent insulating properties and uniform morphology of the layers reduced the interfacial resistance, and the ion conductivity (0.071 S m<sup>−1</sup>) within the ionic polymer improved significantly. Durability was enhanced because the h-BN layer is chemically and thermally stable and efficiently blocks heat diffusion and ion hydrate evaporation during operation. The results demonstrate a close relationship between the capacitance and driving performance of actuators. A gripper prepared from the proposed ionic electroactive polymer actuator can stably hold an object even under strong external vibration and fast or slow movement. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |