Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC)

Hydropower, a robust clean energy source, inspires this study on capturing underwater kinetic energy using two electroactive polymer (EAP) materials - ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and electroactive polymer gels (EPG). Modeled after the fish lateral line, a fabricated EAP-based artificial neuromast responds to hydrodynamic stimuli, inducing bending and compressive strain, to leverage the unique MET behavior in both materials. The system, tested in a Brett-type flume with varied flow speeds, demonstrates energy harvesting potential. Mimicking nature’s sensory mechanisms, this artificial neuromast presents a passive, scalable, and eco-friendly means for underwater energy harvesting.

This study explores the development of an artificial lateral line system using electroactive polymer (EAP) sensors, specifically, ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and polymer gels. A TPU-based canal structure was 3D printed with two embedded surface TPU-DBA polymer gel sensors at each pore entrance, enabling the detection of hydrodynamic pressure changes in the surrounding fluid environment. Additionally, a single IPMC sensor enclosed within a PDMS cupula-like structure was placed in the center of the canal, emulating the cilium structure of the lateral line by operating as a bending mechanoelectrical transducer. The results validate the efficacy of the proposed artificial lateral line model.