High Performance Artificial Muscles Using Nanofiber and Hybrid Yarns

Abstract

Abstract : The objective of this program was to develop new tensile and torsional artificial muscles that provide giant stroke, fast response, high force generation, and long cycle life while optimizing energy conversion efficiencies. During the program we extended thermal hybrid yarn muscles to fast muscles powered by liquid sorption/desorption by silicone guest. These muscles provide 50% stroke, 31X the work/cycle of natural muscles, 1 Hz cycle rate, and an energy conversion efficiency of up to 16%. We used these silicone/CNT yarn muscles as a control valve for liquid flow. We also demonstrated electrically powered dielectric polymer fiber muscles that generate 4.5% tensile stoke, 800 rpm torsional rotation speed, and 100X higher torsional stroke than any prior-art muscle that is non-thermal and non-electrochemical. These muscles are based on our project-developed super-elastic CNT sheath/rubber core conducting fibers that enable 2470% stretch and giant twist insertion without conductance loss. We further demonstrated all solid-state electrically powered coiled CNT fiber muscles that generate 24% tensile stroke and provide 3.2% energy conversion efficiency (twice that of our CNT fiber muscles and 10X that of conducting polymer muscles). They maintain stroke without consuming significant energy. The publication of Artificial Muscles From Fishing Line and Sewing Thread (Science, 2014) generated TV, radio, and other world-wide news. In 2014, Lintec, Inc. started a laboratory close to UTD to commercialize CNT technology that we licensed and muscles technology for which we provided an option to license (world-wide patent nationalization