Characterization of Polypyrrole/Gold Bilayers for Micro-valve Design
Characterization of Polypyrrole/Gold Bilayers for Micro-valve Design
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Date
2005-08-29
Authors
Fanning, Steven
Advisor
Smela, Elisabeth
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Abstract
Polypyrrole/gold bilayers are being developed as micro-actuators for several applications.
The goal of this thesis was to use these bilayers in a micro-valve to control female urinary
incontinence. Several substrate materials and designs were investigated, with noteworthy
findings, including the development of a bulk micromachining method for titanium based
on wet etching.
Despite past research on polypyrrole/gold bilayers, the relationships between design
parameters and performance were unknown. Work completed in this thesis resulted in
data showing how the layer thicknesses and hinge length influence actuator bending and
force. Bilayer performance was also examined as a function of temperature and in urine.
Bilayer curvature increased at body temperature in a standard electrolyte, but in urine
PPy failed at those temperatures.