Investigation of electromechanical parameters of IPMC-sensors

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are proved as excellent materials for creation of bending micromechanical sensors, which are used in micro robotic systems. The basis of IPMC sensor is typically a porous membrane of ion-exchange polymer Nafion-117, coated with metal electrodes on both sides. IPMC sensors were developed and their characteristics were investigated in the air and the aqueous medium. It was found that IPMC sensors are characterized by linear response to a mechanical impact in the displacement range of 0.1 to 1 mm. Coefficient of sensitivity for IPMC sensor with dimensions 2 × 0.5 × 0.02 inches is 0.072 mV/mm. The shorter is the sensor, the greater is the amplitude value.