Biomimetic electro-active polymer based on sulfonated poly (styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene)

Based on the sulfonated poly (styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene) ionic membrane, a novel electro-active polymer, which can be used as sensors and actuators, was developed through the electroless plating procedure. The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the SSEBS actuator were disclosed by using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy. The electromechanical results of the SSEBS actuators show high-speed bending actuation under constant voltages and also give excellent harmonic responses under sinusoidal excitation. In the voltage-current test, the electrical current is almost synchronous with the applied voltages, while the mechanical displacement shows high phase shift from the voltage signals. The SSEBS-based ionic polymer-metal composite can be a promising smart material and may possibly be used to implement biomimetic motion. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.