Dry and durable electro‐active paper actuator based on natural biodegradable polymer

This article describes a dry and durable electro‐active paper (EAPap) actuator based on natural biodegradable polymer: cellulose and chitosan. To fabricate this actuator, cellulose and chitosan were dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid. The solution was cast to form a film followed by depositing thin gold electrode on both sides of the film. The actuator was actuated under AC voltage at an ambient condition by changing the actuation voltage, frequency, and time. The actuator revealed a large bending displacement under low voltage, electrical power consumption at low humidity condition. This cellulose–chitosan blended EAPap actuator is suitable for dry and durable actuator. Details about the fabrication, durability, electrical power consumption, and characteristics as well as morphology of the actuator are explained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010