A fiber-elastomer composite design with a vastly improved and directional actuation response is proposed for dielectric elastomer actuators. The all-elastomer composites are capable of achieving remarkably high actuation stresses, directional strains, electromechanical coupling efficiencies, and energy densities at relatively low electric fields. Their electromechanical metrics are among the highest reported for this class of electroactive materials.

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Conductive polymers have several applications such as in flexible displays, solar cells, and biomedical sensors. An inclusion complex of a conductive polymer and cyclodextrin is desired for some applications such as for molecular wires. In this study, different orientations of β-cyclodextrin rings on a single polyaniline (PANI) chain in an alternating emeraldine form were simulated using molecular dynamics. The simulations were performed in an implicit solvent environment that corresponds to experimental conditions. When the larger opening of the β-cyclodextrin toroids face the same direction, the cyclodextrins tend to repel each other. Alternating the orientation of the β-cyclodextrins on the chain causes the β-cyclodextrin rings to be more attractive to one another and form pairs or stacks of rings. These simulations explain how the β-cyclodextrins can be used to shield the polyaniline from outside chemical action by analyzing the PANI/cyclodextrin interactions from a molecular perspective.

The aim of this study was to produce advanced nanofiber mats by adding boron nitride to poly (ɛ-caprolactone) polymer using an electrospinning method and to characterize the resultant structures. Pure poly (ɛ-caprolactone) nanofiber mats and boron nitride-doped nanofiber mats prepared at different concentrations were compared. The morphological structures of the nanofiber mats were examined under a scanning electron microscope, spectroscopic analyses were conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal stability was analyzed using a thermogravimetric analysis method. Successful electrospinning of boron nitride-doped nanofibers at lower voltages was achieved. The thermogravimetric analysis test found that the thermal stability of boron nitride-doped nanofiber mats is higher than that of pure nanofibers, which suggests that the produced composite material could be preferable in applications involving insulation and high temperature. On the other hand, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that no chemical reaction occurred between boron nitride and the poly (ɛ-caprolactone) nanofibers.