Robust Electro-Active Paper Actuator in Room Humidity

Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) is attractive for a biomimetic actuator material due to its merits in terms of lightweight, dry condition, large displacement output, low actuation voltage and biodegradability. However, the performance of EAPap actuator is so sensitive to humidity that high humidity is required. We report a robust EAPap actuator that can be activated in room humidity condition. The EAPap is made by dissolving cellulose fibers into a solution using DMAc solvents, and made into a sheet by using casting. Thin electrodes are deposited on the cellulose paper to comprise an EAPap actuator. The fabrication process and the performance evaluation of EAPap are presented in terms of free displacement with respect to frequency and actuation voltage.