Multifunctional two-way shape memory RGO/ethylene-vinyl acetate composite yarns for electro-driven actuators and high sensitivity strain sensors

Abstract

Shape memory polymer fibers (SMPFs) coated with conductive layers are attracting increasing attention in soft robots and wearable electronics. However, the thickness and poor stretchability of the conductive layer hinder its applications. Here, the multifunctional two-way shape memory reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composite yarn is designed following the “swelling-ultrasonicating” and one-step twisting procedures. These RGO/EVA composite fiber conductive paths connected with each other by constructing the helical conductive network. The RGO/EVA composite yarn presents excellent electro-thermal conversion performance and outstanding load-bearing capability, enabling controlled electro-driven reversible strain (more than 10% reversible strain) and high energy density (72.5 J/kg). Additionally, the composite yarn has great stretchability (130% strain), high strain sensing sensitivity (gauge factor of 7.3), large linear working range (up to 70% strain). This work provides an innovative manufacturing strategy for the RGO/EVA composite yarn with two-way shape memory, electro-driven actuation, and strain sensing performance.