Cost-effective fabrication of ionic polymer based artificial muscles for catheter-guidewire maneuvering application

In this paper, we have designed and developed an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC)-based artificial muscles by physical vapor deposition based fabrication technique. This process was used to avoid other costly and time-consuming fabrication methods. In the present study, gold electrode-based IPMC actuator chosen for its attractive properties, such as biocompatibility, low voltage-based actuation, and lightweight. A 17x1mm(2) rectangular strip of IPMC actuator used as a prototype for an active catheter-guidewire maneuvering application. Performance of the IPMC-based actuator examined through experimental and simulation results.