Study and preparation of highly water-stable polyacrylonitrile–kraton–graphene composite membrane for bending actuator toward robotic application

Abstract

In this article, polyacrylonitrile–kraton–graphene (PAN-KR-GR) ionomeric polymer membrane sandwiched between Pt electrode-based ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuator is developed. The aim of this study is to design and prepare multifunctional ionic polymer–metal composite membrane for robotic application. The water uptake capacity and ion exchange capacity of polyacrylonitrile–kraton–graphene ionomeric membrane is 133.33% at 45 °C for 8 h of immersion and 1.4 meq g⁻¹ of dry membrane, respectively. Proton conductivity and maximum water loss of ionic polymer–metal composite membrane is 5.26 mS cm⁻¹ and 38% after applying 7 V for 12 min, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs shows the smooth and uniform coating of platinum (Pt). Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and tip displacement of PAN-KR-GR-Pt IPMC membrane are also examined. A multifinger-based gripping system for dexterous handling is developed for robotic application.