Abstract
Upon oxidation and reduction, the conducting polymers change their physical properties as swelling or shrinking. The change of dimensions was induced by the electrochemical cycle, which was called electrochemomechanical deformation (ECMD) and they can be utilized as soft actuator or artificial muscle. In the present study, we have proposed three kinds of novel actuators based on the conducting polymer laminates, PPy, and have observed the actuation of them. It was confirmed that the stick type actuator performs bending actuation with large amplitude, high durability and response. In the ring type and lip type actuators, their shape changes largely. Especially, the lip type actuator closed completely in the reduced state, and it spread largely in the oxidized state. It is possible to change the opening area of the lip rapidly. It is considered that these actuators will be applied to the fluid transport system if these devises are extended three-dimensionally.
