Experimental study on electromechanical responses of ionic polymer-metal composites

Abstract

The Final Year Project (FYP) is an integral component in the Civil and Environmental Engineering course that aims to extend the knowledge gained by the student throughout the academic course by performing research on the project title that he has chosen. The main job scope of this project for the student is to investigate the static and dynamic responses of the Ironic Polymer Metal Composite, otherwise known as IPMC, when varying electrical voltages and frequencies are applied to the soft metallic material. Preparation work of the IPMC is done by processing the material in various solutions to produce different samples of material needed to test their electrical responses. After which, the materials are then tested for their displacement when exposed to static and dynamic voltages. The experimental procedures are explained in later chapters. It is found that the IPMC processed in Lithium salt solution proved to be giving better overall results than its other counterpart; Sodium salt solution. The results discussed are based on an empirical experimental test. They are then tabulated and evaluated through the means of visual inspection and machinery aid. Limitations and shortcomings in this study are summarized and discussed to serve as guidelines for future reference.