Epoxy-based electroactive polymer gels

We describe a new type of electroactive polymer gel. In contrast to cross-linked polyacrylates, this system is based on triepoxides cross-linked with polyfunctional amines. The stoichiometry is selected to form a cross-linked gel with excess amino hydrogens. In acid solutions these become cationic and the ionic interactions cause the gel to swell We describe the mechanical properties of the gels, their response to changes in pH and to electrical activation. The response time is in rough agreement with what would be expected for a diffusional process through a gel of this size (about 100 mum). Samples of smaller dimensions would be expected to respond more rapidly.