Carboxylic Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Reinforcing Fillers in Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite Actuators with Enhanced Driving Performance. Issue 9 (10th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qin, Liguo; Gong, Chaoyong; Hafezi, Mahshid; Mawignon, Fagla Jules; Huang, Xiaodong; Zeng, Qunfeng; Zhang, Yali; Dong, Guangneng
• Is Part Of: Advanced engineering materials. Volume 24:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-04-10
• Subjects: CMWCNT -- driving force -- IPMC -- reinforcing fillers -- sensitive; Materials -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.202200008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-1656

Abstract

Abstract : Although huge attentions are paid to the bionic robot research, preparing flexible actuators with high sensitivity, fast response, and long lifespan are still in great challenge. Herein, an enhanced actuator based on the ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) and carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs) is presented. The nanoscale decoration of MWCNT materials leads to the effectively application of doped and decorated carbon‐based devices for actuators. In the study, morphologies of CMWCNTs are evaluated with transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). By the home‐setup platform, the electrical conductivity and driving performance are evaluated. Using tensile‐testing machine, mechanical properties, such as the elastic modulus and tensile strength, are assessed. Results show that performances including electronic, mechanical, and driving activities of the ionic polymer–metal composite actuator are significantly improved. The maximum output force and sensitivity of the actuators are increased at rates of 24% and 130%, respectively. The mechanism is attributed to carboxylic groups in the acceleration of hydrated cations movement. Additionally, the surface conductivity, mechanical strength, and dispersion are far superior to those walled carbon nanotubes (WCNT)‐doped actuators reported previously. IPMC‐embedded nanotube designs provide a high potential for the development of robotic‐assisted manipulations, such as biomedical robots and microelectromechanical systems. Abstract : Herein, a new ingredient is proposed for flexible actuator by doping carboxylated carbon nanotubes. Performances including electronic, mechanical, and driving activities of the ionic polymer–metal composite actuator are significantly improved. The maximum output force and sensitivity of the actuators are increased at rates of 24% and 130%, respectively. These designs provide a high potential development for robotic‐assisted manipulations.