Similarity Analysis of IPMC and EMG Signal With Comparative Study of Statistical Features

Ipmc Sensor

Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMC) are a type of Electro Active Polymer (EAP) sensor, with perfluorinated polymer membrane of Nafion or Flemion(Fig 2), normally electroplated with noble metal like Platinum (Pt) or Gold (Au) or with Silver (Ag) (Chung, 2005) and on application of low voltages, IPMC shows ion exchange capabilities with a high capacitance showcased at low voltages. Upon application of external force (muscle contraction or relaxation in this case), there is a small (in few millivolts) amplitude electrical signal generated between the electrodes of IPMC. This activity is believed to be a mechanically-induced ionic motion and thus, at a steady deformation state, the electrical signal is dissipated (Koser B et al, 2013).In IPMC, the resistance depends on its curvature so that the resistance of convex electrode increases while that of a concave decreases, the change in resistance is asymmetric with higher variation in electrode expansion (convex side) than that of electrode compression (concave side). Even though active input is needed for measuring the resistance of the electrode, the sensing signal is easily detectable and can be used to estimate actuator position for stable states(Punning A,et al, 2007). The high energy density, efficiency and very low power consumption makes it advantageous. In general, IPMC is a bending actuator aimed at applications that . The usual force generated at the tip of the IPMC is 10 gf for a 45 ×15 ×0.35 mm IPMC strip approximately.