Cellulose membranes as moisture-driven actuators with predetermined deformations and high load uptake. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Xiaofeng; Tian, Bingkun; Xuan, Xiaoyu; Zhou, Wanqi; Zhou, Jianxin; Chen, Yaqing; Lu, Yang; Zhang, Zhuhua
• Is Part Of: International journal of smart and nano materials. Volume 12:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Cellulose membrane -- actuator -- wood -- relative humidity -- energy conversion; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1080/19475411.2021.1906780
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1947-5411

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We report the synthesis of cellulose membranes from balsa wood with an exceptionally high responsivity to humidity change by chemical processing and mechanical compression. By varying the ambient humidity, the produced cellulose membranes can provide a variety of predetermined deformations, such as curve, s-like deformation and curl. The high humidity responsivity is originated from a self-maintained moisture gradient induced by an asymmetrical design of membrane surfaces, aided by the hygroscopic swelling of the cellulose. The moisture-driven actuators are then demonstrated as a three-finger gripper that can grab, hold and release objects 40 times the weight of its own. The combination of natural wood and stimuli-responsive behavior open a way to designing smart structures, actuators and soft robots with environmentally friendly, recyclable and biocompatible materials. Graphical abstract: uf0001