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This paper reports an IPMC actuator which is integrated with a crenellated structure for improving its electromechanical performances. Experimental data shows that the IPMC with the crenellated structure can improve the blocking force as much as ~77% and the tip deflection for at least ~215%, being much better than the normal rectangular IPMC structure. A proof-of-concept demonstration of the crenellated IPMC actuator for MEMs applications has been conducted by integrating it with an UHF RFID tag antenna for frequency tuning purpose. Experimental measurements show that the resonant frequency of the RFID tag antenna can be easily tuned through actuation mechanism of the IPMC actuator.

This paper reports a microreservior-based drug delivery device that is activated by ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator. The actuator is fabricated with Nafion 117 membrane and plated with silver layer electrodes. To fit with biocompatible properties, the device body, including the drug reservoir, was constructed using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. Experimental measurement of the fabricated IPMC actuator shows a maximum deflection displacement of 0.076 ~ 0.077 mm at two consecutive actuation cycles. To study the concentration of the drug released from the developed device, fluorescent dye was loaded in the reservoir and the released intensity was measured using well plate reader. An increase of the fluorescent intensity shows that IPMC actuator successfully unseals the microreservoir and achieves the targeted application.