This paper extensively explores and analyzes the latest research trends in Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) sensors. IPMC sensors are known for their flexibility, lightness, and high responsiveness. They show great promise across different fields. They can respond sensitively to various stimuli such as mechanical deformation, humidity, and pressure, making them ideal for bio-responsive detection, health monitoring, and energy harvesting. This paper introduces actuation and sensing mechanisms of IPMCs, discusses their manufacturing processes, and explores how these processes can influence the responsiveness and stability of sensors. Moreover, through case studies of IPMC-based research that can perform self-sensing functions, it presents possibilities brought by the integration of sensors and actuators. This paper emphasizes the potential for research and development of IPMC sensors to expand into various industrial fields and explores ways to continuously improve the accuracy and reliability of sensors. IPMC-based sensors are expected to play a significant role in advancing medical devices and wearable technologies, thereby facilitating innovation in the field.

Polyacrylamide (PAM) was used for matrix material to fabricate composite hydrogels reinforced with natural cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). Invoking in situ free-radical polymerization with different concentration of cellulose nanocrystal, polyacrylamide hydrogels were fabricated. The chemical structure, compression strength, morphology and dielectric properties of the composite hydrogels were investigated. The CNC played a role as a reinforcing filler and a multifunctional cross-linker in the hydrogel. The elastic modulus and dielectric property of the composite hydrogels increased as increasing the CNC concentration. The electrical actuation test of the PAM/CNC hydrogel shows its possibility for soft electro-active materials for active lens.