Multifunctional Actuator Based on Graphene/PDMS Composite Materials with Shape Programmable Configuration and High Photothermal Conversion Capability

Abstract

Photoresponsive smart actuators based on carbon materials are attracting increasing attention. However, the low content of carbon materials currently limits the development of carbon material actuators. In this work, we designed and prepared a multifunctional bilayer composite actuator with controllable structures and high photothermal conversion efficiency. The actuator consists of a graphene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite layer and a PDMS layer. With an ultrahigh graphene mass fraction (30%), the actuator exhibits a good hydrophobicity, unexpectedly high photothermal conversion performance (from room temperature to 120 °C within 1 s), and rapid photo-response capability. By thermal regulation, ultraviolet laser cutting, and assembly, the actuator can achieve shape programmable configuration in three-dimensional directions. Bionic crawling robots achieve a crawling speed of 0.065 mm/s, and liquid tracking robots achieve a rotational motion of 106°/s, a linear motion of 8.42 mm/s, and a complex “W”-shaped trajectory motion. This work provides a simple and effective method for the preparation and realization of multifunctional actuators based on graphene composite materials.

Electro-mechanical coupling model and interlaminar stress analysis of laminated plates containing GSR actuator

“…The change in aspect ratios and thickness of the GSR actuator layer result in deflection and stress reversal, as can be found in table 5. Furthermore, the transverse deflection and stress actuation behaviors are particularly large according to the data in table 5. Meanwhile, the results presented in table 5 demonstrate that when the thickness of the GSR actuator layer hp rises, the effects of actuation on the deflection and stresses are reduced.…”

“…100 n/m 2 ), electric loads (V t = 100), and SSSS boundary conditions. The change in aspect ratios and thickness of the GSR actuator layer result in deflection and stress reversal, as can be found in table 5. Furthermore, the transverse deflection and stress actuation behaviors are particularly large according to the data in table 5.…”

“…The normalized results of laminated plates (0°/90°/0°/90°/P) incorporating a GSR actuator are shown in table 5. The findings are depicted across various aspect ratios and piezoelectric layer thicknesses.…”

“…Due to the increasing market demand for piezoelectric materials, a variety of composite intelligent structures, including graphene polymer nano actuators, are expected to meet the special mechanical performance requirements in military and civil fields. Such intelligent structures have piqued the curiosity of scientists [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Triple-Responsive Soft Actuator with Plastically Retentive Deformation and Magnetically Programmable Recovery

“…In recent years, thermally responsive actuators have attracted increasing interest due to their capability of exhibiting large-volume shape changes and enabling various actuation mechanisms. Such actuators can respond to various heat-generating methods such as joule heating, , photothermal heating, , and magnetocaloric effects . However, conventional thermally responsive soft actuators are actuated by the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the actuation materials.…”