Poly (3-methylthiophene) based electrochemical actuators

Polythiophene, one of the most extensively studied conducting polymers, was selected as an actuator material due to its chemical and electrochemical stability both in air and moisture. In this work, poly(3-methylthiophene) based actuators were constructed electrochemically with a tubular geometrical configuration. The actuation behaviour was investigated regarding to the actuation strain generated, the stress produced and work per cycle performed by poly(3-methylthiophene) actuators. The effect of potential sweep rate and different electrolytes (ionic liquid and organic solvent) on the actuation performance were also explored. Poly(3-methylthiophene) actuators show an increase in actuation strain with an increase in applied load.