Evaluation of the effectiveness of hydrophobic coatings on ionic polymer–metal composite electronics

Reese A. Steindler* and Allison M. Arnold
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6106

Presentation No.: 67

Assigned Category (Presentation Format): Engineering (Poster Presentations)

Student’s Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Current soft robotic technologies lack compact and portable design configurations. Ionic-type electroactive polymers offer solutions to this dilemma as they are lightweight, flexible, and produce millimeter-level mechanical deformations in response to minimal electrical input. Therefore, practical development of ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) would allow for the utilization of these materials in a multitude of environments and applications such as flexible electronic integrations, artificial muscles, wearables, and other biomimetic and biocompatible solutions. Unfortunately, the development of IPMC-based technologies has been limited due to the requirement for the polymeric core (Nafion) to be hydrated with water. By successfully encapsulating these thin films, IPMC hydration and performance can be maintained. This research seeks to investigate IPMC coating solutions and their impact on long-term performance in a multitude of conditions. Various parameters involved in coating IPMCs will be classified and measured for their effectiveness in thin, even application, moisture retention, and electrical interference. Optimal coating solutions will be defined from these results.

Funding:

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's SURE program (Rita Rio & Michelle Richards-Babb)