A review on electroactive polymers development for aerospace applications

Abstract

Newfangled smart materials have inspired the researchers to look for more efficient materials that can respond to specific stimuli and retain the original shape. Electroactive polymers are such materials which are capable of sensing and real-time actuation. Various electroactive polymers are excellent candidates due to high strain rate, fast response, reliability and high mechanical compliance despite tough manufacturing. In this study, electroactive polymers are reviewed and the general enabling mechanisms employing their distinct characteristics are presented, and the factors influencing the properties of various electroactive polymers are also discussed. Our study also enumerates the current trends in the development of electroactive polymers along with its progress in aerospace discipline. The electromechanical properties of electroactive polymer materials endow them the capability to work as both sensors and actuators in the field of aerospace. Hence, we provide an overview of various applications of electroactive polymers in aerospace field, notably aircraft morphing. These actuators are vastly used in aerospace applications like Mars Nano-rover, space robotic, flapping wings and active flap. Therefore, the electroactive polymer applications such as effective actuators can be investigated more in their materials, molecular interactions, electromechanics and actuation mechanisms. Considering electroactive polymers unique properties, they will endeavour the great potential applications within aerospace industry.

Brief Overview on Bio-Based Adhesives and Sealants

“…The work of adhesion of a liquid to a solid, W A , can be described by the Young–Dupré equation (Equation (1)). It is composed by two measurable parameters; the surface tension of the liquid and the contact angle between the liquid and the surface [33,34]. WA=γLGfalse(1+cosθfalse).…”

Smart polymer nanocomposites: A review

“…The addition of nanofiller can increase the performance of the SPN (e.g., shape fixity, shape recovery, self-healing ability) due to their high specific surface area, nucleating effects, reinforcing effects, and inherent functionalities (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity) [3]. SPNs are widely used in various applications, for example, sensor and actuator [28][29][30][31][32][33], stretchable electronic [34], wearable electronics, and smart textiles [35,36], drug carrier and delivery [37,38], aircraft and aerospace applications [39,40]. Ten years ago, Ratna and Karger-Kocsis [41] has documented a review on shape memory polymers and composites.…”

Smart Polymer Nanocomposites: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…Multistimuli-responsive nanocomposites can react to one or more stimuli, and their properties depend on the characteristics of the polymer matrix and the type of nanofiller used [9]. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the use of multistimuliresponsive PNCs for various types of biomedical [10], automotive [11], aerospace [12], and biotechnological applications [13], which is reflected in the rise in the number of publications in the last ten years (see Figure 2). This mini-review aims to provide an update on the most recent and significant applications in stimuli-responsive PNCs.…”