Novel biomimetic actuator based on SPEEK and PVDF

In this study, a novel electro-active polymer based on a blended polymer membrane of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (i.e., SPEEK) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (i.e., PVDF) is newly developed for the realization of a cost-effective and high-performing polymer actuator with controllable stiffness and ionic networking. The chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of the SPEEK/PVDF membrane are compared with those of the pure SPEEK membrane. The step and harmonic responses of the SPEEK/PVDF actuator show much larger tip displacements without the straightening-back phenomenon in comparison with the SPEEK actuator. Also, the blocking force of the SPEEK/PVDF actuator is greater than that of the SPEEK actuator. The excellent electromechanical responses of the SPEEK/PVDF are due to the tailored stiffness and nano-channels of the ionic networking membrane. Present results show that SPEEK and SPEEK/PVDF ionic polymer membranes can be successfully used to fabricate electro-active polymer. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.