Arko Kesküla

Electro-chemo-mechanical deformation properties of polypyrrole/dodecylbenzenesulfate linear actuators in aqueous and organic electrolyte

The immobilization of dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS−) in polypyrrole (PPy) during electropolymerization is typically expected to lead to cation-driven activity and actuation properties, at least in actuation electrolyte. Here, the complete reversal of the behavior is demonstrated, as the solvent is changed from aqueous to organic while maintaining the same electrolyte – bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt. Isotonic and isometric electro-chemo-mechanical deformation (ECMD) measurements under cyclic voltammetric and square wave potential measurements yielded strain and stress values in ranges of 9–10% and 0.7–1 MPa, respectively, independent of the solvent. The morphology of PPy/DBS films also changed with the solvent exchange, while elemental analysis confirmed that fluorine atoms from the TFSI− anions can be found only in the PPy/DBS films operated in organic solvent.

Solvent and electrolyte effects in PPyDBS free standing films

Free standing conducting polymer films based on polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzoesulfate (PPyDBS) are investigated in TBACF3SO3 (tetrabutylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate) propylene carbonate (PC-Tf) followed in aqueous TMACl tetramethylammonium chloride (Aq-TM) with the aim to investigate actuation properties (anion or cation-driven actuation). Under isometric (constant force) conditions ECMD (electro-chemo-mechanical deformation) measurements are performed during cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric experiments. Electrolyte and solvent effects revealing that the actuation direction in propylene carbonate electrolyte changed from expansion at anodic potential to expansion at cathodic potentials during square wave potential steps. Finally if the PPyDBS film immersed in aqueous electrolyte the anion-driven actuation properties are maintenance. SEM measurements are implemented to reefer changes in film morphology and ion content (EDX, energy dispersive X-Ray) before and after actuation.

Fabrication of ion-conducting carbon-polymer composite electrodes by spin-coating

We report a fabricating method for ion-conducting carbon electrodes on top of industrially produced PVDF membrane by spin-coating. Spin-coating is desirable due to its potential application in large-scale actuator manufacturing and its possibility to produce very thin electrodes. The industrial grade membrane was chosen in order to investigate more accurately the results of spin-coating without considering the deviations present in a hand-made membrane. Spin-coating and surface resistivity measurements via four-point probe were described in further detail. The production process of electrode suspension and suspension dispensing were developed and fine-tuned. The spin coater was programmed to obtain electrodes with uniform electrical properties. The arrangement of the spin coater was slightly altered to remove swelling and bubble formation effects concurrent with usage of the porous membrane. Electrodes produced with the developed method were measured and analyzed. Thickness of the film was measured with micrometer screw gauge and four-point probe was used to measure sheet resistivity, in addition film was studied under scanning electron microscope. In best cases the coefficient of variation for sheet conductivity was 6.2%. For all electrode sheet conductivities the median coefficient of variation was 7%. The thickness of the electrodes varied from 6 to 23 μm. As a proof of concept for the developed method a working actuator with spin-coated electrodes was produced.

A passive autofocus system by using standard deviation of the image on a liquid lens

Today most of applications have a small camera such as cell phones, tablets and medical devices. A micro lens is required in order to reduce the size of the devices. In this paper an auto focus system is used in order to find the best position of a liquid lens without any active components such as ultrasonic or infrared. In fact a passive auto focus system by using standard deviation of the images on a liquid lens which consist of a Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (DEA) membrane between oil and water is proposed.

Carbide-derived carbon (CDC) linear actuator properties in combination with conducting polymers

Carbide–derived Carbon (CDC) material is applied for super capacitors due to their nanoporous structure and their high charging/discharging capability. In this work we report for the first time CDC linear actuators and CDC combined with polypyrrole (CDC-PPy) in ECMD (Electrochemomechanical deformation) under isotonic (constant force) and isometric (constant length) measurements in aqueous electrolyte. CDC-PPy actuators showing nearly double strain under cyclic voltammetric and square wave potential measurements in comparison to CDC linear actuators. The new material is investigated by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy dispersive X-ray analysis) to reveal how the conducting polymer layer and the CDC layer interfere together.

Autofocus fluid lens device construction and implementation of modified ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) membrane actuators

The autofocus fluid lens device, as developed by Philips, is based on water/oil interfaces forming a spherical lens where the meniscus of the liquid can be switched by applying a high voltage to change from a convex to a concave divergent lens. In this work we construct a device to evaluate the performance of membrane actuators based on electro active polymers, in a design applicable for autofocus fluid lens applications. The membrane with a hole in the middle separates the oil phase from the electrolyte phase, forming a meniscus in the middle of the membrane between the oil and electrolyte. If the membrane actuator shows a certain force and displacement, the meniscus between oil and electrolyte changes form between concave and convex, applicable as a fluid lens. Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are applied in this work to investigate how the performance of the membrane actuator takes place in Milli-Q, certain electrolytes and in combination with an electrochemically deposited conducting polymer. The goal of this work is to investigate the extent of membrane displacement of IPMC actuators operating at a low voltage (±0.7 V), and the back relaxation phenomena of IPMC actuators.