Preparation of polyHIPES based on sulfonated polymers as electroactive material in actuator devices and mechanical sensors

Abstract

In this project, it will be prepared flexible polyHIPEs bearing ATRP initiator functions for the subsequent polymerization of sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (SS). The presence of grafted poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) chains will confer hydrophilicity and ionic conductivity to the polymer structure. Thus, the polyHIPE will serve as a microstructured scaffold providing mechanical stability and flexibility, and channels functionalized with PSS for ionic conduction. This material is expected to have an iEAP behavior, which can be tuned by tailoring the composition and features of the polyHIPE and the polymer grafts (ion transport medium). In order to build the IPMC, two types of electrodes will be tested: i) reduced platinum ions on the surface of the iEAP; and ii) conductive nanocomposites of rubber/CNT/conducting carbon black. Both types of electrodes have already been extensively tested in our Research Group and have shown good results. This last stages will be done at the Federal University of São Carlos, after the return from Italy with the synthesized polyHIPEs. (AU)