Modeling of ICPF (ionic conducting polymer film) actuator-modeling of electrical characteristics

The ionic conducting polymer film (ICPF) actuator is a filmy composite made of a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFS) membrane sandwiched between porous platinum layers. It can be driven by direct voltage input to its surfaces in wet condition. In this study, the electrical characteristics of the actuator were investigated. The electrical characteristics of the actuator were represented by the surface resistances of the porous platinum layers, resistance of the gel membrane permeated with water, and a series connection of resistance and capacitance. The model was composed of a distributed-constant system of the above elements. Moreover, the distributed current through the series connection of resistance and capacitance was possibly concerned with the generation of internal stresses causing the actuator to bend.