Electromechanically Active Polymers: A Concise Reference (Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series)

Oversized hardcover, xx + 798 pages, 433 figures & 24 tables, shipping weight over 1kg, NOT ex-library. Little minor wear only, clean and bright throughout, unmarked text, no inscriptions, no stamps, firm binding. Issued without a dust jacket. -- A comprehensive and accessible synthesis of the science, engineering, and practical implementation of electromechanically active polymers (EAPs). Conceived as a structured reference for both newcomers and seasoned researchers, the book serves as a foundational guide to the design, modeling, and application of EAP-based transducers, commonly referred to as 'artificial muscles.' Emphasizing both theoretical and operational dimensions, it integrates material science, polymer physics, electrochemistry, and device engineering into a cohesive framework. EAPs are soft smart materials capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical work and vice versa. This dual functionality enables their use as actuators, sensors, and energy harvesters. They exhibit unique characteristics: high strain capability, mechanical flexibility, low mass density, silent operation, and ease of processing (qualities that distinguish them from conventional actuation technologies). EAPs are typically categorized into two broad families: ionic EAPs, which function via ion/molecule transport mechanisms, and electronic EAPs, which rely on electrostatic interactions. The volume is divided into seven sections, each dedicated to one EAP category or subcategory. It begins with polymer gels, presenting their fundamental electrochemical behavior, material formulations, modeling strategies, and early-stage applications in soft actuation and sensing. Ionic transport and swelling-induced deformation are detailed as key mechanisms. Experimental guidance is provided to facilitate laboratory exploration. Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are examined next, highlighting their flexible design, ionic conductivity, and responsiveness in low-voltage environments. Chapters cover fabrication methods, predictive modeling, and integration into biomedical and robotic applications. Real-world implementations are presented alongside tutorials for new experimentalists. The third section explores conducting polymers, known for their electrical conductivity and reversible volumetric changes during redox cycling. The section elaborates on microfabrication techniques, mechanical characterization, simulation tools, and devices for biomedical and microrobotic applications. In electroresponsive carbon-based materials, the book addresses electrochemical and electrothermal mechanisms in nanostructured carbon systems, including carbon nanotubes and graphene-based actuators. The authors explore structural design, thermomechanical behavior, and strategies for device prototyping, especially for wearable and high-frequency systems. Electronic EAPs are treated in the last three sections. The first among them is piezoelectric and electrostrictive polymers. Chapters explain material design, charge distribution, polarization effects, and the development of sensors and precision actuators in electronics and aerospace. Next, polymer electrets and ferroelectrets - dielectric polymers capable of storing quasi-permanent electric charge - are presented as efficient transducers for low-power applications. Topics include electromechanical coupling models, device integration, and surface charge stability, with experimental procedures to guide lab-scale investigation. Finally, dielectric elastomers are discussed in detail as one of the most widely studied EAP classes due to their high actuation strains and energy density. Their electromechanical models, material development (including silicone and acrylic elastomers), and functional architectures are analyzed across applications from soft robotics to tunable optics. The book includes setup instructions for characterizing and experimenting with dielectric elastomers, underlining their scalability and versatility.…