Characterization of Piezoelectric Effect and Mechanical Properties of Cellulose Based Electro-Active Paper Actuator

摘要

In this paper, mechanical properties and piezoelectric effects of cellulose based Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) actuators were investigated. Typical pulling tests of cellulose paper, which is a basic material of EAPap actuator, showed distinct elastic modulus and bifurcation point followed by plastic modulus at ambient conditions. The mechanism of this distinct phenomenon was examined to obtain better understanding of EAPap actuator. After that, in-plane strain of EAPap actuator under constant electric field was experimentally investigated to understand piezoelectricity of EAPap. EAPap samples were made by coating very thin gold electrodes on both sides of cellophane film. When external DC voltages were applied, in-plane contractions were induced due to the converse piezoelectric effect of EAPap. It was observed that the EAPap sample with 45° orientation exhibited the largest in-plane strain compared to other orientation samples.