Technology   MICROMUSCLE technology Technology Possibilities Advantages Tech Specs   Patent Portfolio   Published Articles MICROMUSCLE EAP technology Using MICROMUSCLE EAP technology a wide variety of small moving components can be constructed. The possibility to create moving structures and exert force enables new functionality for medical devices and other life science products. Electroactive polymers Electroactive polymers are an emerging class of materials with many new revolutionary properties. One of the main advantages of electroactive polymers is the possibility to electrically control and fine-tune their behaviour and properties. The electroactive polymers used by Micromuscle AB are characterized by their ability to swell and contract when a small voltage is applied. The mechanism behind this is based on electrochemistry. Swelling is caused by ions and water entering the polymer. When the voltage is removed or reversed, the polymer contracts and resumes its original shape. Volume change provides motion and force The volume change can be electrically controlled and used for creating different kinds of moving structures - actuators or micromuscles.         The bulk volume change of the polymer forms a swelling "volumetric" actuator   An actuator exerting linear force and motion   A bi-layer is formed from a layer of electroactive polymer and a second layer of a material, such as a metal, that does not change its volume. The volume change will cause the bi-layer to bend     © 2007,Micromuscle AB. All rights reserved.