Effect of Electrode Pattern on the Actuator Performance of Cellulose Electro-Active Paper

The effect of electrode patterns on the actuator performance of electro-active paper (EAPap) is studied. A rectangular electrode pattern has been typically used for EAPap actuator. Since the electrical field can be concentrated at the edge of electrodes, the electrode patterns of EAPap can influence the actuator performance. Thus, a fishbone pattern electrode was designed and fabricated on EAPap materials and its actuation characteristics were compared with the rectangular electrode ones. Two EAPap materials, DCell, which is made by dissolving cellulose pulp with N,N-Dimethylacetamide and LiCl followed by curing process, and cellophane were used. Bending displacements and the resonance frequencies of EAPap actuators were investigated. Although the bending displacements of the fishbone patterned EAPap actuators were slightly lower than the rectangular patterned actuators, the resonance frequencies of the fishbone patterned actuators were higher than the rectangular patterned actuators. Electrical field concentration around the edge of fishbone pattern electrode might result in increased bending stiffness of the actuator and electrical power consumption. Electrical power consumption and electrode damage of the fishbone pattern electrode were addressed.