As a new type of flexible smart material, ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) has the advantages of being lightweight and having fast responses, good flexibility, and large deformation ranges. However, IPMC has the disadvantages of a small driving force and short lifespan. Based on this, this paper firstly analyzes the driving mechanism of IPMC. Then, it focuses on the current preparation technology of IPMC from the aspects of electroless plating and mechanical plating. The advantages and disadvantages of various preparation methods are analyzed. Due to the special driving mechanism of IPMC, there is a problem of short non-aqueous working time. Therefore, the modification research of IPMC is reviewed from the aspects of the basement membrane, working medium, and electrode materials. Finally, the current challenges and future development prospects of IPMC are discussed.
Keywords: IPMC; driving mechanism; modification research; preparation technology; smart materials.