Ionic electroactive polymer actuator based on cobalt metal organic framework (Co-MOF-700)/PEDOT:PSS electrodes

Abstract

the work presented here has successfully demonstrated that the enhancements are possible in improving some of the features of a soft actuators, like significant enhancement in the blocking force, reduction in response time, driving voltage and consumed power, while increasing the bending strain percentage (simply: bending deflection) and robustness. It is expected that the research work presented here will be helpful for future researchers in further enhancement studies.

Controlled robotic applications has now become the need of the present and future eras. Actuators play a vital role in controlled robotic applications. These actuators are devices that receive an input signal (a stimulus) along with energy and convert this signal and energy into mechanical motion (electrical energy in case of electroactive actuators). The limitations of the present day conventional actuators on the adaptability, robustness and responsiveness, have opened new fields on research for better performing actuators. With the demand for controlled robotics in medical, biomedical, micromechanical systems and similar fields, a new breed of actuators known as soft actuators is being researched. There is a huge margin to research and replace the rigid metallic parts and certain design features of present day classic conventional actuators. The research work presented in this dissertation aims on this opportunity to development of a soft actuator with improved functional materials, thereby enhancing the performance margins of these devices. Work on "Soft Actuators" is a result of utilizing the new engineering scenarios and techniques to successfully enhance the overall performance of a soft actuator. Although the research on this topic is humungous, and an ongoing activity