Characterization of Electro-Active Paper Composite

초록

This paper presents the characterization of Electro-active paper (EAPap). EAPap is a paper that produces large displacement with small force under electrical excitation. EAPap is made with a cellulose paper by constructing thin electrodes on both sides of the paper. When electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes the EAPap produces bending displacement. To be able to apply EAPap in many applications, characterization of EAPap is essential to understand and improve EAPap actuators. The characterization is done in terms of mechanical, electrical and physical tests. Mechanical strain and strength are investigated in sheet level and thermo-mechanical analysis is performed. Electrical resistance and admittance are analyzed to investigate the actuation mechanism. The actuation principle associated with piezoelectric effect is explained. EAPap has merits in terms of lightweight, dry condition, large displacement output, low actuation voltage and low power consumption. The most attractive characteristics of EAPap materials is their application potential for the development of biomimetic systems that are ultra-lightweight, low power, flexible, damage tolerant, noiseless, and agile.