Facile preparation of thermoplastic conductive composite film for actuating and self-powered sensing

Abstract

Soft actuators based on bilayered film architecture have drawn extensively interests owing to their high sensitivity, remarkable compatibility, simple architecture and so on. However, most bilayered soft actuators are frequently fabricated via some complicated methods, and the preparation of soft actuators via a facile technology is still a big challenge. Herein, PVDF/LDPE bilayered film was successfully fabricated based on blow film molding. CNTs dispersions were uniformly sprayed on the PVDF layer of PVDF/LDPE bilayered film as electrode layer. In addition, PVDF can be used as piezoelectric/actuation layer of PVDF/LDPE/CNTs film because of its stronger swelling ability in acetone vapor than LDPE. Driven by acetone vapors, PVDF/LDPE/CNTs films show rapid self-powered sensing property (response and recovery time of 1.2 s and 1 s, respectively) and excellent sensing durability (>500 cycles). Interestingly, a paper doll was combined with PVDF/LDPE/CNTs film acting as artificial muscle. According to the output of the piezoelectric signal, the pull-up states of the paper doll can be detected, indicating highly efficient energy conversion and sensing ability of PVDF/LDPE/CNTs films. This work paves a new way for facile preparation of soft actuators with both driving and sensing functions.