Study of IPMC Actuators Based on MF-4SK Membrane in Aqueous Medium

IPMC actuators with Pt electrodes based on MF4SK ion-exchange membrane in H+ and Cu2+ forms were obtained. The electromechanical characteristics of the resulting actuators were investigated when working in air and in aqueous medium. An increase in displacement amplitude of the actuators in the Cu2+-form compared to the H+-form in both air and water has been shown. Displacement amplitudes of the actuators at a control DC voltage or AC voltage with a frequency of less than 5 Hz in the aqueous medium were lower than in the air. Moreover, an increase in the salt content (NaCl) in the aqueous medium led to a decrease of the displacement amplitudes. The time of continuous operation of the actuators in the water was significantly higher (more than 24 h) than in the air (less than 20 min).