Mechanical properties analysis and surface composition research of Ag-IPMC

[Display omitted] •The preparation method and mechanical properties of a silver-based electroactive polymer (Ag-IPMC) are studied.•The output displacement of Ag-IPMC is measured.•The surface morphology and composition of Ag-IPMC are analyzed.•This work is the foundation of artificial muscle performance research. In this paper, Nafion-117 is used as the basement membrane, using a chemical reduction method to prepare the Ag-IPMC which the surface coating with the Ag electrode. Firstly, the key preparation process of Ag-IPMC is determined and its mechanical properties are tested. Besides, the elastic modulus and Poisson ratio characteristics of Ag-IPMC are analyzed. Secondly, the Ag-IPMC performance improvement test is carried out, and an actuating performance comparison test is conducted for the improved sample. Finally, the section microstructure and surface microstructure of the sample are analyzed by scanning electron microscope(SEM), which reveals the feasibility of preparing Ag-IPMC by chemical reduction method. Meanwhile, the material composition of the sample surface is analyzed by the energy spectrum, and it is revealed that there are almost no other substances except Ag in the Ag coating on the surface of the newly prepared Ag-IPMC sample.