Nanocomposite Actuators Research Articles

Reconfigurable light-responsive liquid crystal elastomer /carbon nanotube nanocomposite actuators operated by photothermal effects and dynamic exchange reaction

Monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (MLCEs), exhibiting a light-induced dynamic exchange reaction (DER) and light-triggered actuation abilities, were prepared using dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and allyl sulfide linkages incorporated in the MLCE matrix. MWCNTs were dispersed in the MLCE matrix using a newly synthesized dispersant, poly(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-oxyundecylacrylate-co-pyrene methyl acrylate); this dispersant exhibited amphiphilic properties of π–π interactions with the MWCNT fillers (attributed to the pyrene moieties) and miscibility with the MLCE matrix (attributed to the cyanobiphenyl mesogenic moieties). A low amount of well-dispersed MWCNTs (≤0.05 wt%) in the MLCE matrix induced excellent photothermal effects under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, leading to considerable reversible contraction/extension actuation (∼40 % change in length). The bilayer film comprising the MLCE and PLCE (PLCE: polydomain LCE) composite films bonded via DER without glue exhibited excellent bending actuation under NIR light irradiation and was configured into several actuators such as a flower-shaped actuator, a weightlifter, a circular rolling band, an oscillator mimicking a hummingbird, and a casting catapult. Therefore, this novel MLCE/CNT composite film enhances the design ability for the arbitrary shaping and functionalization of NIR light-triggerable LCE actuators, which can be applied to several interesting soft robots.

Mathematical Solution for Vibrational Response of Shear and Normal Deformable Advanced Metal Foam CMBS Treated with Nanocomposite Actuators

This research focuses on examining the vibrational properties of intelligent curved microbeams (CMBs) that incorporate metal foams and are enhanced with carbon nanotubes-reinforced piezoelectric (CNTRP) actuators. An advanced four-variable theory for shear and normal deformation is applied in the polar coordinate framework to investigate the microstructure, thereby negating the need for a shear correction factor. Additionally, the modified couple stress theory (MCST) is utilized to account for scale effects. The structural attributes exhibit thickness-dependent alterations following predefined functions. The governing equations of motion are deduced using Hamilton’s principle. In instances where the structure has simply supported ends, Fourier series functions are utilized to solve these equations. The outcomes are cross-validated in contradiction with previously documented works with more straightforward setups. The inquiry investigates the effects of critical parameters on the vibrational response of the structure. The results are corroborated in simpler scenarios using existing data in the literature to ensure accuracy.

Ultra-Large Stress and Strain Polymer Nanocomposite Actuators Incorporating a Mutually-Interpenetrated, Collective-Deformation Carbon Nanotube Network.

Stimulus-responsive polymer-based actuators are extensively studied, with the challenging goal of achieving comprehensive performance metrics that include large output stress and strain, fast response, and versatile actuation modes. The design and fabrication of nanocomposites offer a promising route to integrate the advantages of both polymers and nanoscale fillers, thus ensuring superior performance. Here, it is started from a three-dimensional (3D) porous sponge to fabricate a mutually interpenetrated nanocomposite, in which the embedded carbon nanotube (CNT) network undergoes collective deformation with the shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix during large-degree stretching and releasing, increases junction density with polymer chains and enhances molecular orientation. These features result in substantial improvement of the overall mechanical properties and during thermally actuated contraction, the bulk SMP/CNT composites exhibit output stresses up to 19.5 ± 0.97MPa and strains up to 69%, accompanied by a rapid response and high energy density, exceeding the majority of recent reports. Furthermore, electrical actuation is also demonstrated via uniform Joule heating across the self-percolated CNT network. Applications such as low-temperature thermal actuated vascular stent and wound dressing are explored. These findings lay out a universal blueprint for developing robust and highly deformable SMP/CNT nanocomposite actuators with broad potential applications.

A Bioinspired Plasmonic Nanocomposite Actuator Sunlight‐Driven by a Photothermal‐Hygroscopic Effect for Sustainable Soft Robotics

AbstractCombined photothermal‐hygroscopic effects enable novel materials actuation strategies based on renewable and sustainable energy sources such as sunlight. Plasmonic nanoparticles have gained considerable interest as photothermal agents, however, the employment in sunlight‐driven photothermal‐hygroscopic actuators is still bounded, mainly due to the limited absorbance once integrated into nanocomposite actuators and the restricted plasmonic peaks amplitude (compared to the solar spectrum). Herein, the design and fabrication of an AgNPs‐based plasmonic photothermal‐hygroscopic actuator integrated with printed cellulose tracks are reported (bioinspired to Geraniaceae seeds structures). The nanocomposite is actuated by sunlight power density (i.e., 1 Sun = 100 mW cm−2). The plasmonic AgNPs are in situ synthesized on the PDMS surface through a one‐step and efficient fluoride‐assisted synthesis (surface coverage ≈40%). The nanocomposite has a broadband absorbance in the VIS range (>1) and a Photothermal Conversion Efficiency ≈40%. The actuator is designed exploiting a mechanical model that predicted the curvature and forces, featuring a ≈6.8 ± 0.3 s response time, associated with a ≈43% change in curvature and a 0.76 ± 0.02 mN force under 1 Sun irradiation. The plasmonic nanocomposite actuator can be used for multiple tasks, as hinted through illustrative soft robotics demonstrators, thus fostering a bioinspired approach to developing embodied energy systems driven by sunlight.

An eco-friendly, biocompatible and reliable piezoelectric nanocomposite actuator for the new generation of microelectronic devices

An eco-friendly, biocompatible and reliable piezoelectric nanocomposite actuator for the new generation of microelectronic devices

Two-frequency parametric excitation and combination resonance of a nanocomposite laminated piezoelectric trapezoidal plate in subsonic airflow

In this study, an analytical approach is presented to analyze the bifurcations and nonlinear dynamics of a cantilevered piezoelectric nanocomposite trapezoidal actuator subjected to two-frequency parametric excitations in the presence of subsonic airflow. The assumption of uniformly distributed single-walled carbon nanotubes along the thickness is taken into the consideration. The governing equations are built by the von-Karman nonlinear strain-displacement relations to consider the geometrical nonlinearity and the linear potential flow theory. The present study focuses on a specific resonance case deals with the occurrence of simultaneous resonances in the principal parametric resonance of the first mode and combination of the parametric resonance of the difference type involving two modes. The multiple scales method is employed to obtain the four nonlinear averaged equations which are solved by using the Runge-Kutta method. Moreover, the frequency-response curves, bifurcation diagrams, time history responses, and phase portrait are obtained to find the nonlinear dynamic responses of the plate. The effects of the amplitude of piezoelectric excitation, piezoelectric detuning parameter, and aerodynamic pressure are also studied. The results indicate that, the chaotic, quasi-periodic and periodic motions of the plate exist under certain conditions and the variation of controlling parameters can change the form of motions of the nanocomposite piezoelectric trapezoidal thin plate.

Study on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of SBS/PCL Based Thermo-Responsive Shape Memory Polymer Nanocomposite Actuator

The present paper study the thermal, electrical and shape memory behavior of Polystyrene-block-Polybutadiene-block-Polystyrene (SBS) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) blend reinforced with Carbon nanofibers (CNF). Here SBS acts as an elastomer, PCL behaves as switch polymer and CNF is used as a conductive filler which facilitates shape memory polymer Nano Composite (SMPNC). The immiscibility between the microstructures is demonstrated in DSC results. Characterization techniques such as, TGA, Shape memory test etc. were also conducted. The results show that this is an optimized SMP system with good shape recovery and fixing performances.

Photo actuation of liquid crystalline elastomer nanocomposites incorporated with gold nanoparticles based on surface plasmon resonance.

In this work, according to the characteristic of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metallic nanoparticles, we investigated the photo actuation performance of a liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) nanocomposite with incorporated gold nanoparticles (nano-gold/LCE nanocomposite). The nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites were fabricated by incorporating gold nanoparticles into a polysiloxane-based LCE matrix via a novel experimental protocol, and characterized by a well-developed SPR absorption band in the visible spectrum range. The nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites demonstrated strong actuation upon irradiation with a quasi-daylight source; the reason lay in that the SPR response of gold nanoparticles performed efficient energy conversion from light energy to thermal energy, and thus offered an activation pathway for the nematic-isotropic transition of the LCE matrix. The nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites underwent rapid maximum axial contraction up to about one third of the original length under light irradiation, and this photo-stimulated muscle-like actuation was fully reversible via the on-off switching of the light source. The photo actuation properties of nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites with varying irradiation intensities and gold nanoparticle content were also investigated. In addition, the nano-gold/LCE nanocomposites demonstrated superior optical nonlinear properties, and revealed potential for the application area of mode-locking for laser technology.

Thermally-Induced Actuation of Magnetic Nanocomposites Based on Oligo(ω-Pentadecalactone) and Covalently Integrated Magnetic Nanoparticles

AbstractThe incorporation of inorganic particles in a polymer matrix has been established as a method to adjust the mechanical performance of composite materials. We report on the influence of covalent integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) on the actuation behavior and mechanical performance of hybrid nanocomposite (H-NC) based shape-memory polymer actuators (SMPA). The H-NC were synthesized by reacting two types of oligo(ω-pentadecalactone) (OPDL) based precursors with terminal hydroxy groups, a three arm OPDL (3AOPDL, Mn = 6000 g mol·1-1) and an OPDL (Mn =3300 g · mol-1) coated magnetite nanoparticle (Ø = 10 ± 2 nm), with a diisocyanate. These H-NC were compared to the homopolymer network regarding the actuation performance, contractual stress (σcontr) as well as thermal and mechanical properties. The melting range of the OPDL crystals (ΔTm,OPDL) was shifted in homo polymer networks from 36 °C – 76 °C to 41°C – 81 °C for H-NC with 9 wt% of MNP content. The actuators were explored by variation of separating temperature (Tsep), which splits the OPDL crystalline domain into actuating and geometry determining segments. Tsep was varied in the melting range of the nanocomposites and the actuation capability and contractual stress (σcontr) of the nanocomposite actuators could be adjusted. The reversible strain (εrev) was decreased from 11 ± 0.3% for homo polymer network to 3.2±0.3% for H-NC9 with 9 wt% of MNP indicating a restraining effect of the MNP on chain mobility. The results show that the performance of H-NCs in terms of thermal and elastic properties can be tailored by MNP content, however for higher reversible actuation, lower MNP contents are preferable.

Effect of doping nanoparticles on the output force performance of chitosan-based nanocomposite gel actuator

ABSTRACTIn this work, a kind of bio-inspired chitosan-based Nanocomposite Gel Actuator (NGA) was developed whose electrolyte membrane was fabricated by doping multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MCNT). Furthermore, the output force performance of NGA was studied. The results illustrated that doping MCNT particles will play a crosslinking role. The electrolyte membrane with different MCNT doping ratios could significantly reduce its elastic modulus and enhanced its specific capacitance. When the MCNT doping ratio was 2 wt%, the output performance of the electric actuator was the best and the output force density (19.17 mN/g) and strain (0.83 %) were increased by 92% and 17%, respectively.

Supersonic cluster beam fabrication of metal–ionogel nanocomposites for soft robotics

Soft robotics is an emerging field targeting at the development of robotic bodies and architectures characterized by flexibility, adaptability, and motility typical of that of biological systems. The use of electroactive ionic polymer–metal nanocomposites able to reversibly deform in response to low-intensity electric fields constitutes a promising solution for the implementation of actuators into soft robots. Currently, the use of this class of nanocomposites is hampered by several drawbacks, mainly related to the mismatch between the mechanical properties of the polymer and the metallic electrodes compromising their stability and resilience upon cyclic deformation. Here, we report and discuss on the use of supersonic cluster beam implantation (SCBI) as an effective strategy for the fabrication of soft electroactive ionic polymeric nanocomposite actuators. SCBI relies on the use of supersonically accelerated beams of neutral metal nanoparticles that can be aerodynamically collimated and directed onto a polymeric target to generate thin nanostructured metal layers physically interpenetrating with the polymer. Soft electroactive actuators based on engineered ionogel and ionogel-based hybrid nanocomposites provided with monolithically integrated cluster-assembled gold electrodes will be discussed. These systems can undergo long-term bending deformation in a low-voltage regime, due to the nanostructured electrode resilience. The use of cluster-assembled nanostructured electrodes opens new opportunities for the high-throughput manufacturing of soft ionic actuators with excellent mechanical resiliency, high-performance actuation, and high durability.

Functionalisation of metal–polymer-nanocomposites: Chemoelectromechanical coupling and charge carrier transport

Electrochemical actuation in nanoporous metals is achieved by impregnation of the material’s pore space with a ionic conductor, typically an aqueous electrolyte. These hybrid actuators exhibit fully reversible deformation and mechanical properties that can be controlled by electric signals. Recently, set-ups have been proposed in which the nanoporous metal’s surface is additionally coated with a conjugated polymer, resulting in a nanocomposite that exhibits strongly increased actuation strains compared to the pure metal while still retaining the mechanical strength of the metal backbone.In order to exploit the full potential of these nanocomposite actuators, a detailed understanding of the underlying ion transport mechanisms and means to predict the actuator’s response are necessary. We present an interface-extended continuum mechanical model to study actuation in pure nanoporous gold and nanoporous gold–polypyrrole nanocomposites. Simulations predict significantly enhanced actuation strains due to the presence of the polymer phase and show that both, the nanocomposite’s structure and the ions’ mobilities, greatly affect the actuator’s response.

Artificial Muscles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges.

The area of artificial muscle is a highly interdisciplinary field of research that has evolved rapidly in the last 30 years. Recent advances in nanomaterial fabrication and characterization, specifically carbon nanotubes and nanowires, have had major contributions in the development of artificial muscles. However, what can artificial muscles really do for humans? This question is considered here by first examining nature's solutions to this design problem and then discussing the structure, actuation mechanism, applications, and limitations of recently developed artificial muscles, including highly oriented semicrystalline polymer fibers; nanocomposite actuators; twisted nanofiber yarns; thermally activated shape-memory alloys; ionic-polymer/metal composites; dielectric-elastomer actuators; conducting polymers; stimuli-responsive gels; piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, and photostrictive actuators; photoexcited actuators; electrostatic actuators; and pneumatic actuators.

Infrared actuation-induced simultaneous reconfiguration of surface color and morphology for soft robotics

Cephalopods, such as cuttlefish, demonstrate remarkable adaptability to the coloration and texture of their surroundings by modulating their skin color and surface morphology simultaneously, for the purpose of adaptive camouflage and signal communication. Inspired by this unique feature of cuttlefish skins, we present a general approach to remote-controlled, smart films that undergo simultaneous changes of surface color and morphology upon infrared (IR) actuation. The smart film has a reconfigurable laminated structure that comprises an IR-responsive nanocomposite actuator layer and a mechanochromic elastomeric photonic crystal layer. Upon global or localized IR irradiation, the actuator layer exhibits fast, large, and reversible strain in the irradiated region, which causes a synergistically coupled change in the shape of the laminated film and color of the mechanochromic elastomeric photonic crystal layer in the same region. Bending and twisting deformations can be created under IR irradiation, through modulating the strain direction in the actuator layer of the laminated film. Furthermore, the laminated film has been used in a remote-controlled inchworm walker that can directly couple a color-changing skin with the robotic movements. Such remote-controlled, smart films may open up new application possibilities in soft robotics and wearable devices.

Photothermal Surface Plasmon Resonance and Interband Transition‐Enhanced Nanocomposite Hydrogel Actuators with Hand‐Like Dynamic Manipulation

AbstractHydrogel actuators represent a powerful tool due to their ability to capture, move, and be manipulated, which has applications in diverse fields. The development of hydrogel actuators capable of localized movement, where only a part of the whole system moves, wireless remote control, and flexible shape‐changing is critical and challenging to fulfill their potential. Here, photothermal hydrogel actuators are designed and fabricated to accomplish a precise hand‐like manipulation of encapsulating and finger‐like one‐by‐one bending by light. A thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) active layer and a non‐thermoresponsive poly(acrylamide) passive layer are combined to generate a thermal‐expansion coefficient mismatch among the interface and this energy eventually transforms into a bending motion. As an energy transformation agent, the gold nanoparticles doped in the PNIPAm hydrogel absorb the light energy and transform it into thermalenergy effectively as a result of a surface plasmon resonance electron–phonon process and intrinsic interband transitions. The resulting nanocomposite actuators exhibit flexible, reversible motions and local hand‐like finger flexion driven by either flood illumination or local irradiation. The developed programmable actuators are expected to be an attractive candidate for the next generation of “smart” soft robots.

Active vibration control of a beam instrumented with MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposite sensor and PZT-5H actuator, robust to variations in temperature

Multi walled carbon nano tube (MWCNT)/epoxy nanocomposite strain sensor and piezoelectric actuator pair are used in active vibration control (AVC) of a smart cantilevered beam. Due to different coefficients of thermal expansion of MWCNT and epoxy, the resistance of carbon nanotube/epoxy based strain sensor changes nonlinearly with change in temperature. The temperature dependence of CNT based strain sensor is modelled by fitting a polynomial curve on the experimentally obtained characterization data of CNT/epoxy strain sensor. Using augmented constitutive equations of piezoelectricity, finite element model of smart cantilevered beam instrumented with collocated nanocomposite strain sensor and PZT-5H actuator is derived. Effect of temperature on PZT-5H actuator is also considered in derivation of the control law. Active vibration control of the first mode of a smart cantilevered beam instrumented with collocated CNT based strain sensor and PZT-5H actuator is performed at ambient temperature and at temperature slightly away from the ambient temperature for two cases: (1) without considering the temperature dependence of CNT composite strain sensor in Kalman observer and (2) considering the temperature dependence of CNT composite strain sensor in Kalman observer. Simulations are also performed to visualize the behaviour of smart beam when the beam is subjected to a temperature impulse. This paper suggests a novel AVC strategy using MWCNT/epoxy strain sensor and PZT-5H actuator patch that is robust to variations in temperature.

Plano-convex Variable Focal Length Micro-lens with a Polymer Nanocomposite Actuator

An electromechanical actuator based on a P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) / BaTiO3 terpolymer nanocomposite of high field-induced strain was used in a variable focal length micro-lens design. The liquid-filled micro-lens consisted of a fluidic chamber, structured on a silicon wafer and sealed by an elastomeric lens membrane with a round-shaped nanocomposite actuator attached to it. A fabrication process was developed taking into account also particular characteristics of the actuator material for thin film parameter optimization. A change in the focal length of the fabricated micro-lens with a nanocomposite actuator was successfully demonstrated. Specifically, a 3 mm aperture, plano-convex variable focal length micro-lens of optical power ranging from 21 dpt to 13 dpt was obtained by varying the electric field applied on the nanocomposite actuator.

Fabrication of free-standing octagon-shaped carbon nanofibre assembly for electrical actuation of shape memory polymer nanocomposites

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is a study aimed at overcoming the interface issue between nanopaper and polymer matrix in shape-memory polymer (SMP) composite laminates caused by their large dissimilarity in electrical/thermal conductive properties. The study attempted to develop an effective approach to fabricate free-standing carbon nanofibre (CNF) assembly in octagon shape formation. The structure design and thermal conductive performance of the resulting octagon-shaped CNF assembly were optimised and simulated. Design/methodology/approach – The CNF nanopaper was prepared based on a filtration method. The SMP nanocomposites were fabricated by incorporating these CNF assemblies with epoxy-based SMP resin by a resin-transfer modelling technique. Thermal conductivity of the octagon-shaped CNF assembly was simulated using the ANSYS FLUENT software for structure design and optimisation. The effect of the octagon-shaped CNF on the thermomechanical properties and thermally responsive shape-memory effect of the resulting SMP nanocomposites were characterised and interpreted. Findings – The CNF template incorporated with SMP to achieve Joule heating triggered shape recovery at a low electric voltage of 3-10 V, due to which the electrical resistivity of SMP nanocomposites was significantly improved and lowered to 0.20 O·cm by the CNF template. It was found that the octagon CNF template with 2 mm width of skeleton presented a highest thermally conductive performance to transfer resistive heat to the SMP matrix. Research limitations/implications – A simple way for fabricating electro-activated SMP nanocomposites has been developed by using an octagon CNF template. Low electrical voltage actuation in SMP has been achieved. Originality/value – The fabricated CNF template, the structure design and analysis of dynamic thermomechanical properties of SMP are novel.

Synergistic effect of Ag nanoparticle-decorated graphene oxide and carbon fiber on electrical actuation of polymeric shape memory nanocomposites

This study reports an effective approach of significantly improving electrical properties and recovery performance of shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposite, of which its shape recovery was triggered by electrically resistive Joule heating. Reduced graphene oxide (GOs) self-assembled and grafted onto carbon fiber, were used to enhance the interfacial bonding with the SMP matrix via van der Waals force and covalent bond, respectively. A layer of Ag nanoparticles was synthesized from Ag+ solution and chemically deposited onto GO assemblies. These Ag nanoparticles were expected to bridge the gap between GO and improve the electrical conductivity. The experimental results reveal that the electrical conductivity of the SMP nanocomposite was significantly improved via the synergistic effect between Ag nanoparticle-decorated GO and carbon fiber. Finally, the electrically induced shape memory effect of the SMP nanocomposite was achieved, and the temperature distribution in the SMP nanocomposites was recorded and monitored. An effective approach was demonstrated to produce the electro-activated SMP nanocomposites and the resistive Joule heating was viable at a low electrical voltage below 10 V.

Fabrication and characterization of polymer-based electroactive nanocomposite actuator

A nanocomposite actuator film incorporated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was fabricated and evaluated. The materials are polyurethane and modified CNTs as the filler. The CNTs were modified using microwave-induced polymerization modification route to improve the dispersion. The actuator performance test revealed that the films bent to the cathode side when voltage was succeeded and reverted to their original position when the voltage was removed. Moreover, the electrical properties were evaluated and the charge accumulation was observed near the anode side when voltage is applied to the films. Based on this asymmetric charge density inside the films, a model which predicts the bending direction and actuation mechanism was suggested.