Abstract
The high actuation response of soft gel from a graphene oxide/gelatin composite was prepared as an alternative material in soft robotics applications. Graphene oxide (GO) was selected as the electroresponsive (ER) particle. GO was synthesized by modifying Hummer’s method at various ratios of graphite (GP) to potassium permanganate (KMnO4). To study the effect of ER particles on electromechanical properties, GO was blended with gelatin hydrogel (GEL) at various concentrations. The electrical properties of the ER particles (GO and GP) and matrix (GEL) were measured. The capacitance (C), resistance (R), and dielectric constant of the GO/GEL composite were lower than those of the GO particles but higher than those of the GEL and GP/GEL composite at the given number of particles. The effects of external electric field strength and the distance between electrodes on the degree of bending and the dielectrophoresis force (Fd) were investigated. When the external electric field was applied, the composite bent toward electrode, because the electric field polarized the functional group of polymer molecules. Under applied 400 V/mm, the GO/GEL composite (5% w/w) showed the highest deflection angle (θ = 82.88°) and dielectrophoresis force (7.36 N). From the results, we conclude that the GO/GEL composite can be an alternative candidate material for electromechanical actuator applications.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
To study the ER properties of the Graphene oxide (GO)/gelatin hydrogel (GEL) composite, we studied the defection of the composite under an external electric field
We studied the effect of the potassium permanganate ratio on electrical properties and the response to the electric potential difference by using gelatin as a hydrogel polymer
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Electromechanical actuators devices are used in a variety of applications, including microrobotic devices (exploration and repair of the human body), microscopic machines, spacecraft, robotics, and intelligent artificial muscles. For more concrete electromechanical actuator devices, shorter range goals, low cost, fast response, and reduced size and mass are required parameters [1]. Electroactive materials can be useful in the application of intelligent artificial muscles, living-thing-like actuators, and robotics. Converting electrical energy into mechanical energy has been of interest. One kind of electroactive material is the electroactive polymers (EAPs), which have unique properties including light weight, flexibility, and high energy density [2]
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