Abstract
In this work, a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/poly(alkylthiophene) (MWCNT/PT) composite is developed as the electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) using the Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) method. These composites form stable monolayers at the air-water interface that can then be LS transferred onto a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer membrane. The monolayer electrode remains conductive up to 100% uniaxial strain. We present a method to fabricate DEAs using the LS transferred electrodes. By using a mask during the transfer step, the electrodes can be patterned with better than 200 μm resolution on both sides of a 1.4 μm-thick pre-stretched PDMS membrane to produce an ultra-low voltage DEA. The DEA generates 4.0% linear strain at an actuation voltage of 100 V, an order of magnitude lower than the typical DEA operating voltage.
Highlights
Soft actuators are required when once wishes to integrate active motion or deformation control in compliant or stretchable objects
In the two following sections, electrodes based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT)/P3HT and MWCNT/P3DT monolayers transferred onto PDMS substrate were characterized regarding structure, surface morphology, surface resistance and Young’s modulus
The Langmuir-Schaefer method was used for the first time here to fabricate ultra-thin stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators
Summary
Soft actuators are required when once wishes to integrate active motion or deformation control in compliant or stretchable objects. Two types of PT with different linear alkyl side chains (poly-3hexylthiophene (P3HT) and poly-3-decylthiophene (P3DT)) were studied, since it was shown that the side chain length has a significant effect on the bulk material properties The longer this chain is (up to 12 C), the smaller the Young's modulus and the electrical conductivity.[30] The MWCNT/PT composite monolayer was transferred from the air-water interface to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer membrane using the LS method (Fig. 1b). The electrodes were evaluated based on their morphological, electrical and mechanical properties with regards to DEA application
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
