Theoretical and experimental investigations of fundamental effects in carbon nanotube sheet actuators

Abstract

In this paper we present experimental measurements and analytical predictions for the electro-mechanical behaviour of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) actuators. Carbon nanotube actuators are chemo-electro- mechanical converters and exhibit very promising material parameters. To describe the electro-mechanical behavior, in the experimental part, some fundamental tests have been realized varying the voltage pattern while keeping the CNT materials, electrolyte, test configuration and other parameters unchanged. For out-of-plane deformation of the sheet material under applied voltage within a chemical environment, this analytical prediction is capable to show the voltage vs. active displacement behaviour for that material. Based on the experimental results from the different types of rectangular voltage pulses, we could successfully predict the material behaviour for triangular pulses. Finally based on these fundamental effects we are able to confirm the analytic prediction and to develop more sophisticated actuators.