Study on the graphene-based actuator

Abstract

Bilayer actuators comprising of MWCNT (Multi-walled carbon nanotubes) and Graphene oxide (GO) were studied for their actuation performance by using induction heating system. A simple fabrication method namely, filtration of the colloidal suspensions of MWCNT and GO through an Anodisc membrane was used to fabricate the actuators. In case of bilayer actuators, sequential filtration of MWCNTs and Graphene oxide dispersions through a membrane filter membrane was used. Morphological studies by SEM showed that the bilayer paper did not delaminate at the macro-scale and a certain degree of adhesion between MWCNT and GO can be achieved even without any functionalization of either of the constituents of bilayer actuators. Actuation was tested by using the induction heating system, operated at different current densities. Substantial degree of deformation, as much as 0.128 mm^-1 at 300 A was measured. The degree of actuation was defined in terms of bending curvature, because the deformation was too large to be detected by conventional displacement laser sensors. An attempt has been made to explain the basic mechanism of bilayer actuator in terms of the differential thermal expansion rates and eddy current which was confirmed from images obtained from thermal camera wherein the variation in bilayer actuator's surface temperature were monitored. Finally the deformation trend under different pulses is also examined.