Nanocarbon/elastomer composites : characterization and applications in photo-mechanical actuation.

Loomis, Robert James

doi:10.18297/etd/855

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 120 publications

(161 reference statements)

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“…While efficiencies on the order of at least 1% are needed to manipulate macroscopic objects and avoid extensively powerful irradiations, low efficiency in LDAs is not a limiting factor in the actuation of microscopic objects, given the moderate input powers required to generate the small output forces needed. Typically, azobenzene-functionalized photoactuation, although robust and chemically stable, has low efficiencies on the order of 10 −16 % ( 42 ). Some polymeric and bilayer photoactuators can achieve a photomechanical response with a high energy-conversion efficiency of up to 5 × 10 −3 % ( 43 ) and 8 × 10 −3 to 10 −2 % for some polyvinylidene fluoride ( 44 ) and poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) ( 45 ) actuators, respectively.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance of molecular crystals in conversion of light to mechanical work

Halabi

Ahmed

Sofela

et al. 2021

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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Dynamic molecular crystals have recently received ample attention as an emerging class of energy-transducing materials, yet have fallen short of developing into fully realized actuators. Through the trans–cis surface isomerization of three crystalline azobenzene materials, here, we set out to extensively characterize the light-to-work energy conversion of photoinduced bending in molecular crystals. We distinguish the azobenzene single crystals from commonly used actuators through quantitative performance evaluation and specific performance indices. Bending molecular crystals have an operating range comparable to that of microactuators such as microelectromechanical systems and a work-generating capacity and dynamic performance that qualifies them to substitute micromotor drivers in mechanical positioning and microgripping tasks. Finite element modeling, applied to determine the surface photoisomerization parameters, allowed for predicting and optimizing the mechanical response of these materials. Utilizing mechanical characterization and numerical simulation tools proves essential in accelerating the introduction of dynamic molecular crystals into soft microrobotics applications.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance of molecular crystals in conversion of light to mechanical work

Halabi

Ahmed

Sofela

et al. 2021

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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“…In our work we have focused primarily on using the thermoelastic effect in a number of small actuators. [11][12][13][14] These are fabricated by casting elastomeric materials (typical PDMS rubber) with an adequate fraction of nanomaterials so that light is strongly absorbed (by these usually weakly absorbing polymers). In the case of carbon nanomaterials only a few percent weight fraction sufficiently absorbs light, and without sacrificing the rubbery properties of the actuator.…”

Section: Photoelastic Actuatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultraflexible nanostructures and implications for future nanorobots

Cohn

Panchapakesan

2016

Sensors for Next-Generation Robotics III

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Several high aspect ratio nanostructures have been made by capillary force directed self-assembly including polymeric nanofiber air-bridges, trampoline-like membranes, microsphere-beaded nanofibers, and intermetallic nanoneedles. Arrays of polymer air-bridges form in seconds by simply hand brushing a bead of polymeric liquid over an array of micropillars. The domination of capillary force that is thinning unstable capillary bridges leads to uniform arrays of nanofiber air-bridges. Similarly, arrays of vertically oriented Ag 2 Ga nanoneedles have been formed by dipping silvercoated arrays of pyramidal silicon into melted gallium. Force-displacement measurements of these structures are presented. These nanostructures, especially when compressively or torsionally buckled, have extremely low stiffnesses, motion due to thermal fluctuations that is relatively easily detected, and the ability to move great distances for very small changes in applied force. Nanofibers with bead-on-a-string structure, where the beads are micron diameter and loaded with magnetic iron oxide (maghemite), are shown to be simply viewable under optical microscopes, have micronewton/m stiffness, and have ultralow torsional stiffnesses enabling the bead to be rotated numerous revolutions without breaking. Combination of these high aspect ratio structures with stretched elastomers offer interesting possibilities for robotic actuation and locomotion. Polydimethylsiloxane loaded with nanomaterials, e.g. nanotubes, graphene or MoS 2 , can be efficiently heated with directed light. Heating produces considerable force through the thermoelastic effect, and this force can be used for continuous translation or to trigger reversible elastic buckling of the nanostructures. The remote stimulation of motion with light provides a possible mechanism for producing cooperative behavior between swarms of semiautonomous nanorobots.

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Carbon Nanotubes - Elastomer Actuator for Soft Prosthetics

Gunde

2023

IJARSCT

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Prosthetics play an important role as a substitute for any essential part of body. Soft prosthetic is an attempt at making these artificial devices more human-like. The main focus of this paper is the use of a carbon nanotube- elastomer based compound material as an actuator for prosthetic devices. One of the main limitations of Electroactive Polymer (EAP), which is high applied voltage, is overcome in this approach by using carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn permeated with a mixture of elastomer and methanol. The actuation is based on phase transition and this concept can be implemented for soft prosthetics.

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Nanocarbon/elastomer composites : characterization and applications in photo-mechanical actuation.

Cited by 3 publications

References 120 publications

Performance of molecular crystals in conversion of light to mechanical work

Performance of molecular crystals in conversion of light to mechanical work

Ultraflexible nanostructures and implications for future nanorobots

Carbon Nanotubes - Elastomer Actuator for Soft Prosthetics

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