POLYMER ACTUATOR

摘要

A lightweight polymer actuator capable of operating on low voltage and extending/shrinking in its linear direction without any bending displacement. The polymer actuator (1) comprises gel/electrode assemblies (4a, 4b) each having a polymer hydrogel bodies (2a, 2b) containing a polymer having an acidic or basic functional group and an electrode (3a, 3b) incorporated in the polymer hydrogel body (2a, 2b). The gel/electrode assemblies are placed in an electrolytic aqueous solution (6). The volumes of the gel/electrode assemblies (4a, 4b) vary when a voltage is applied between the electrodes (3a, 3b).