Patterning IPN-CP actuators and applications
Abstract
We propose a simple, yet efficient, patterning technique for Interpenetrated Networks of Conducting Polymers (IPN-CP), which is a class of conducting polymer actuators that are able to work in liquids as well as in the air without delamination. Engineering and integration of IPN-CP in potential systems or devices have not been thoroughly studied, and no solution for patterning has been developed so far. Our method has been evaluated exemplified with two mechatronic applications: (i) built-in wiring of IPN-CP actuators, and (ii) the design of poly-articulated actuators.