3D‐Printed Poly(acrylic acid–vinylimidazole) Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuators

Ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMC)—constructed using an ionic polymer sandwiched between metal electrodes—have shown great potential for the fabrication of soft actuators. IPMC architectures have many advantages including low actuation voltage, fast response, basic control, and relatively light weight. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-based ion exchange membranes are particular interest devices due to their large capacity ease preparation; however, they suffer from weak mechanical strength. Here, PAA-based actuators synthesized with enhanced properties proton conductivity through incorporation hydrogen bonding interactions imidazolium groups via copolymerization 1-vinylimidazole. In addition examining impact composition on physiochemical (swelling, glass transition, decomposition, Young's modulus, etc.) electrochemical (specific capacitance) properties, additive manufacturing process, digital projection (DLP), is utilized fabricate complex geometries demonstrating modalities. Planar DLP 3D-printed varied compositions fabricated activated carbon copper electrodes, performance evaluated in air, where bending deformation observed (14°–37°).