A new class of ionic electroactive polymers based on green synthesis

In this paper, a novel class of ionic electroactive nanocomposites, named Ionic Polymer-Polymer Metal Composites ((IPMCs)-M-2) is introduced. (IPMCs)-M-2 are capable of electromechanical transduction and, therefore, they are suitable to be used as nanocomposite artificial muscles. They represent an evolution of a class of totally polymeric ionic electroactive polymers, named Ionic Polymer Composites ((IPCs)-Cs-2), previously proposed by some of the Authors. Compared to the parent technology, (IPMCs)-M-2 exploit both the beneficial effects of electrodes based on polymeric conductors and the use of noble metal (Pt) nanoparticles. The deposition of platinum nanoparticles is obtained through a green chemical reduction process. The fabrication process, and the influence of the novel nanocomposite electrode on the thermal, mechanical, and electromechanical behavior of green (IPMCs)-M-2 are described together with a comparison with the properties of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) and (IPCs)-Cs-2. Reported results allow concluding that electroactive devices, with performances comparable with those of IPMC actuators, can be obtained. Eventually, the production procedure is more environmental friendly, cheaper and faster than the corresponding technique used for IPMC fabrication. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.