A scalable model for trilayer conjugated polymer actuators and its experimental validation

Conjugated polymers are promising actuation materials for bio/micromanipulation systems, biomimetic robots, and biomedical devices. For these applications, it is highly desirable to have predictive models available for feasibility study and design optimization. In this paper a scalable model is presented for trilayer conjugated polymer actuators based on J. Madden's diffusive-elastic-metal model. The proposed model characterizes actuation behaviors in terms of intrinsic material parameters and actuator dimensions. Experiments are conducted on polypyrrole actuators of different dimensions to validate the developed scaling laws for quasi-static force and displacement output, electrical admittance, and dynamic displacement response.