Abstract
Here we present the synthesis and characterization of two new conducting materials having a high electro-chemo-mechanical activity for possible applications as artificial muscles or soft smart actuators in biomimetic structures. Glucose-gelatin nanofiber scaffolds (CFS) were coated with polypyrrole (PPy) first by chemical polymerization followed by electrochemical polymerization doped with dodecylbenzensulfonate (DBS-) forming CFS-PPy/DBS films, or with trifluoromethanesulfonate (CF3SO3-, TF) giving CFS-PPy/TF films. The composition, electronic and ionic conductivity of the materials were determined using different techniques. The electro-chemo-mechanical characterization of the films was carried out by cyclic voltammetry and square wave potential steps in bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium solutions of propylene carbonate (LiTFSI-PC). Linear actuation of the CFS-PPy/DBS material exhibited 20% of strain variation with a stress of 0.14 MPa, rather similar to skeletal muscles. After 1000 cycles, the creeping effect was as low as 0,2% having a good long-term stability showing a strain variation per cycle of -1.8% (after 1000 cycles). Those material properties are excellent for future technological applications as artificial muscles, batteries, smart membranes, and so on.
Highlights
The development of reliable soft robotics and smart devices mimicking the multifunctionality of natural organs of living creatures requires new actuators in biomimetic structures and artificial muscles, working at low potentials with low energy consumption while exhibiting high strain variation per potential cycle and high long-term stability
Conducting polymers actuators [1] that work at low voltage, undergo large bending displacements [2] and linear strains as high as 26% [3]; 20% of strain variation was reported in case of PPy-Platinum/Iridium coil structures [4]
These observations can be attributed to the different electronic conductivity of the samples immersed in different electrolytes; 0.42 ± 0.2 S cm-1 in aqueous-ethylene glycol solution, and 0.11 ± 0.1 S cm-1 in propylene carbonate (PC) solution similar to those found in a previous work [29]
Summary
The development of reliable soft robotics and smart devices mimicking the multifunctionality of natural organs of living creatures requires new actuators in biomimetic structures and artificial muscles, working at low potentials with low energy consumption while exhibiting high strain variation per potential cycle and high long-term stability. Conducting polymers actuators [1] that work at low voltage, undergo large bending displacements [2] and linear strains as high as 26% [3]; 20% of strain variation was reported in case of PPy-Platinum/Iridium coil structures [4]. Inspired by similar coil designs, researchers try to increase linear strain by using carbon nanotubes and other natural or artificial electrospun materials [5] in their plain form or with a conducting polymer coating (CP). The main technological problem is the described poor long-term stability, the high strain variations are only achieved in the initial potential cycles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
