O2 plasma treatment for ionic polymer metal nano composite (IPMNC) actuator

Ionic polymer membrane is successfully treated with O2 plasma, by which needle-like structures from 1.5 μm to 3 μm in height are created on the membrane surface. Subsequently, a thin platinum electrode layer is deposited on the membrane surface by electroless chemical metal plating. By these processes, spherical nano platinum particles of about 80 nm in diameter are dispersed uniformly in a localized manner near the electrode surface. The concentration of nano particles is significantly increased with the repetition of the electroless chemical metal plating process. Our results indicate that this type of morphology reduces the surface resistance of IPMNC electrodes and increases electrical capacitance. The localized concentration of nano particles and improved electrical properties of the electrode significantly enhances the actuation displacement, force, and operational life of plasma-treated IPMNC actuator when compared with conventional IPMNC prepared under similar conditions.