ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the development, fabrication, characterization of IPMC soft actuators based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are discussed, which provide several advantages such as high proton conductivity, high ion exchange, high water uptake, high tensile strength, good thermal properties, excellent film forming capacity, large bending and good electromechanical properties. The major advantage of the proposed fabrication method for this IPMC soft actuator is the easy process of fabrication, where SWNTs are produced by combining reinforced ceramic and metal matrix composites. This also makes the actuator biocompatible. Further, various applications of IPMC soft actuators are proposed in robotics and biomimetics, which shows the significant potential for better opportunities during compliant robotic assembly.
