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Electrochemically driven actuators from conducting polymers, hydrogels, and carbon nanotubes
conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 13:54 authored by Spinks, GM, Wallace, GG, Trevor LewisTrevor Lewis, Fifield, LS, Dai, L, Baughman, RHThe mechanisms of actuation operating in polymeric actuators are reviewed along with a comparison of actuator performance. Polymer hydrogel actuators show very large dimensional changes, but relatively low response times. The mechanism of actuation involves several processes including electro-osmosis and electrochemical effects. Conducting polymer actuators operate by Faradaic reactions causing oxidation and reduction of the polymer backbone. Associated ion movements produce dimensional changes of typically up to 3%. The maximum stress achieved to date from conducting polymers is not more than 10 MPA. Carbon nanotubes have recently been demonstrated as new actuator materials. The nanotubes undergo useful dimensional changes (approximately 1%) but have the capacity to respond very rapidly (kHz) and generate giant stresses (600 MPa). The advantages of nanotube actuators stem from their exceptional mechanical properties and the non-Faradaic actuation mechanism.
History
Publication title
Proceedings SPIEVolume
4234Editors
AR Wilson, H AsanumaPagination
223-231Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)Place of publication
AustraliaEvent title
Smart Materials and MEMSEvent Venue
MelbourneDate of Event (Start Date)
2000-12-13Date of Event (End Date)
2000-12-15Repository Status
- Restricted