Characteristics and performance of electroactive paper actuator made with cellulose/polyurethane semi-interpenetrating polymer networks

This article introduces a cellulose/polyurethane (PU) semi-IPN-based electroactive paper (EAPap) actuator. The fabrication process, bending actuation test, and its characteristics are explained. For the fabrication of cellulose/PU semi-IPN EAPap actuator, cotton cellulose was dissolved into N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and lithium chloride (LiCl) solvent system. PU prepolymer prepared by poly[di(ethylene glycol) adipate] and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) was mixed with DMAc cellulose solution by stirring. The mixed solution was spin-coated on a wafer and cured to form cellulose/Pu semi-IPN films using 1,1,1-tris(hudroxymethyl)propane as the crosslinker. The characteristics of the cellulose/PU semi-IPN film were investigated by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and tensile test. The bending actuation performance of the actuator was evaluated in terms of free bending displacement with respect to the actuation frequencies, voltages, and humidity levels. It shows a good bending actuation at room humidity condition. The actuation principle of the actuator is also discussed. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 109: 3689-3695,2008.