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The secret of electroactive polymers: How to make plastic move like muscles?
With the rapid development of modern science and technology, electroactive polymers (EAPs), as an emerging material, are changing our traditional understanding of plastics. This material can significantly change shape or size when stimulated by an electric field, giving it important application potential in fields such as robotics and bioengineering. The most notable feature of EAPs is that they can withstand enormous forces while achieving deformation of up to 380%. Compared with previous ceramic piezoelectric materials, this data shows that EAP has significant advantages in deformability.
The invention of electroactive polymers dates back to the 19th century, with the earliest experiments conducted by Wilhelm Röntgen, who observed that the mechanical properties of natural rubber changed when subjected to an electric field.
Since piezoelectric polymers were first discovered in 1925, the technology has undergone many breakthroughs. By 1969, Kawai showed that polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) materials could exhibit a large piezoelectric effect. Further research led to the emergence of conductive polymers and ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs), which can be activated at voltages of only 1 to 2 volts, significantly lower than previous technologies required.
This technical history shows that with the advancement of materials science, the application scope of EAP has continued to expand, among which the most eye-catching application is the development of artificial muscles. EAPs are considered as artificial muscles not only because of their kinematic properties but also because of their potential for fast response and large deformation capabilities.
EAPs are easy to manufacture in many different shapes, making them very flexible materials and therefore widely used in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) to create smart actuators.
Types of Electroactive Polymers
Types of EAPs are generally divided into two categories: dielectric and ionic. Dielectric EAPs rely on electrostatic forces between electrodes for actuation, and they operate in a self-sustaining particle state, a property that makes them well suited for robotics applications.
In contrast, ionic EAPs require much larger amounts of electricity to maintain their position and exhibit good biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for use in biomedical devices.
Future Directions
Although EAP technology is becoming increasingly mature, it still faces many challenges. Improving the long-term stability and water resistance of EAP is key, which can not only prevent the volatilization of water, but also reduce the various problems that may occur when operating in a water environment. In addition, enhancing surface conductivity and developing high-temperature resistant materials will help further advance the application of this technology.Currently, the application of EAP in human robotic arms, tactile displays and other fields has gradually become concrete and has shown unprecedented potential. In the future, as materials science continues to advance, will we be able to truly create plastic structures that can perfectly mimic biological muscles?
