PF-IPMC: Paper/Fabric Assisted IPMC Actuators for 3D Crafts
Asuka Ishiki, Hiroyuki Nabae, Akio Kodaira, Koichi Suzumori
Abstract
An ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator is one of the most promising electroactive polymer devices. It is a lightweight and flexible actuator that can be operated in low voltage, high-frequency bandwidth, and even water. To widen the application field and enhance the potential of the IPMC actuator, a stable and flexible arbitrary 3D fabrication method is required. To address this arbitrary 3D fabrication problem, we have proposed and studied a novel fabrication method using papers and fabrics as the base materials of IPMC actuators. In this letter, we propose a novel paper/fabric (PF)-IPMC and its detailed fabrication process. For future design optimization, the fundamental characteristics derived from a type of paper and fabric are also determined through experiments. PF-IPMCs created from papers (Tissue, Kimwipe, and Kimtowel) have a greater ability for deformation, blocking force, and adsorption ratio than those created from fabrics (cotton and polyester). After the fundamental properties were evaluated, an origami plane and a crane PF-IPMC robots were created using the proposed method. Both PF-IPMC robots retained their initial shapes after completion of the fabrication process and could be operated normally. This shows the potential of the PF-IPMC for application to 3D craft.