A novel experimental static deflection equation for specific cantilever beam made of ionic polymer–metal composite

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, ionic polymer–metal composites are widely used in various industries. They are in the group of electroactive polymers and smart materials with electromechanical properties. By applying a small amount of voltage, the nonlinear stress inside them will happen and their deformation can be seen. The energy transformation from electrical to mechanical is observable during the process of giving voltage to a specimen. The aim of this study is to investigate a novel experimental static deflection equation for specific cantilever beam made of ionic polymer–metal composite. Methods: In this paper, an ionic-polymer-metal composite is provided; the main core is based on an electroactive Fluoropolymer named Nafion, and the coated electrodes are made of Platinum. The length of the specimen is 27.131 mm and its width is 5.728mm. Voltage from 1.5 to 4.3V was applied to the specimen used in this study; the y-directional displacement of the IPMC at each step is measured and recorded; then, a finite element analysis was performed. Curve fitting of the data for the experimental analysis was also done. Moreover, the governing relations of IPMC according to the Nernst–Planck equation were investigated in this study. Results: The results have been validated in two forms of finite element method and experimental analysis. The results of finite element analysis showed that the ion flux in the polymer is calculated by the equation: [INSIDE:1]. In other words, this equation, which is called Nernst–Planck, is the basic equation of this type of material. This equation is the main governing equation to describe the transfer phenomena of IPMC materials. Furthermore, in order to calculate the deflection of IPMC membrane, 19 equations designed in this study were used. In the next step, the results of the experimental analysis showed that, based on the field emission scanning electron microscope images, the Nafion surface is completely sandblasted and its area is completely uniform. The right image taken by Dino-Lite shows the thesis effect on the electrode. Furthermore, the results showed that IPMC has high-quality coated electrodes. Conclusions: It is shown that a nonlinear equation governs the behavior of IPMCs' deflection versus voltage.