Graphene Oxide-Polyaniline Coating on Ionic Polymer Blend Membrane for Actuation

Abstract

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC) can be used as actuators and sensors and intrinsically have low activation voltage and large bending strain, which help to transform electrical energy to mechanical energy and can be utilized as bidirectional material. In this study, the ionic polymeric blend films/membranes of PVDF:PSSS:PVP in the blend ratio of 40:30:30; 50:30:20 and 60:15:25 (wt.%) is presented. The membranes were prepared by solution cast technique and coated with graphene oxide (GO)-polyaniline (PANI). Membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy. Electrical conductivities at different frequencies and water uptake properties were also determined. The actuating performance of PVDF:PSSS:PVP and water uptake of blend membrane was found to be maximum for the blend ratio of 60:15:25. PVDF:PSSS:PVP with blend ratio (60:15:25) also exhibited highest actuation at 10 V DC. Graphene oxide was prepared and characterized by using FTIR and Raman spectra. A brief account of the fabrication of IPMC and its actuation application was also presented.