Sensor response of polypyrrole trilayer benders as a function of geometry

Authors

Stephen John, University of WollongongFollow
Gursel Alici, University of WollongongFollow
Geoffrey M. Spinks, University of WollongongFollow
John D. W. Madden, University of British Columbia
Gordon G. Wallace, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

26539

Publication Details

John, S., Alici, G., Spinks, G. Maxwell., Madden, J. & Wallace, G. G. (2008). Sensor response of polypyrrole trilayer benders as a function of geometry. 15th International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, and Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring. In SPIE 6927, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008, (pp. 692721-1-692721-9). Bellingham, Washington, USA: SPIE.

Abstract

Trilayer polypyrrole benders are capable of generating voltages and currents when applied with an external force or displacement, demonstrating potential as mechanical sensors. Previous work has identified the effects of dopant and electrolyte on the sensor output, and a 'deformation induced ion flux' model was proposed. The current work aims to identify the change in sensor response with input amplitude and bender geometry as a function of frequency. The current and charge output from the trilayer benders were found to increase proportionally with input displacement and bender strain for multiple input frequencies, indicating linearity. Sensitivities of the current and charge output have also been calculated in response to strain, and are found to increase as the volume of the conducting polymer is increased. Some guidelines for sensor geometry are then suggested, using the identified sensitivities as a guide.