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L. Rajendran - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Q M Zhang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • ion distribution in ionic Electroactive Polymer actuators
    Proceedings of SPIE, 2011
    Co-Authors: Yang Liu, Stephen Twigg, Junhong Lin, Gokhan Hatipoglu, Sheng Liu, Nicholas Winograd, Q M Zhang
    Abstract:

    Ionic Electroactive Polymer (i-EAP) actuators with large strain and low operation voltage are extremely attractive for applications such as MEMS and smart materials and systems. In-depth understanding of the ion transport and storage under electrical stimulus is crucial for optimizing the actuator performance. In this study, we show the dominances of ion diffusion charge and we perform direct measurements of the steady state ion distribution in charged and frozen actuators by using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). High temperature actuators that consist Aquivion ionomer membrane and high melting temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride (BMMI-Cl]) served in this study. Electrical impedance, I-V characteristics, and potential step charging of the actuator are characterized at 25°C and 100°C. The conductivity of the actuator is 0.3mS/cm at 100°C and 2.9μS/cm at 25°C, respectively. The electrochemical window of the device is 3V and a 2mm tip displacement is observed under 2.5V 0.2Hz at 100°C. A semi-quantitative depth profile of the relative ion concentration in charged and frozen actuators is measured by ToF-SIMS. The result shows that, unlike semiconductors, ions do not deplete from the electrodes with same signs. Due to a strong cluster effect between the ions, Cl- and BMMI+ accumulate near both cathode and anode. Furthermore, the profile indicates that the ion size difference causes the BMMI+ space charge layers (~6um) much thicker than those of Cl- (~0.5um).

  • a compact Electroactive Polymer actuator suitable for refreshable braille display
    Sensors and Actuators A-physical, 2008
    Co-Authors: Kailiang Ren, Sheng Liu, Minren Lin, Yong Wang, Q M Zhang
    Abstract:

    The large strain, high elastic modulus, and easy processing of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) electrostrictive terPolymer make it very attractive to replace low strain piezoceramics and piezoPolymers in many applications with much improved performance. In this paper, a compact Polymer actuator is developed utilizing the electrostrictive terPolymer, which is suitable for full page Braille display and graphic display. Key issues related to the reliability of Electroactive Polymers used in the compact actuators and for the mass fabrication of these Polymer actuators are investigated. Making use of a recently developed conductive Polymer, a screen printing deposition method was developed which enables direct deposition of very thin conductive Polymer electrode layer (<0.1 μm) with strong bonding to the terPolymer surface and short fabrication time. It was observed that the thin conductive Polymer electrodes lead to the self-healing of the Polymer after electric breakdown. An Electroactive Polymer (EAP) compact Braille actuator was designed and fabricated with these terPolymer films wound on a spring core. The test results demonstrate that the EAP Braille actuator meets all the functional requirements of actuators for refreshable full Braille display, which offers compact size, reduced cost and weight.

  • Electroactive Polymer actuators and sensors
    Mrs Bulletin, 2008
    Co-Authors: Yoseph Barcohen, Q M Zhang
    Abstract:

    Polymers are highly attractive for their inherent properties of mechanical flexibility, light weight, and easy processing. In addition, some Polymers exhibit large property changes in response to electrical stimulation, much beyond what is achievable by inorganic materials. This adds significant benefit to their potential applications. The focus of this issue of MRS Bulletin is on Polymers that are electromechanically responsive, which are also known as Electroactive Polymers (EAPs). These Polymers respond to electric field or current with strain and stress, and some of them also exhibit the reverse effect of converting mechanical motion to an electrical signal. There are many types of known Polymers that respond electromechanically, and they can be divided according to their activation mechanism into field-activated and ionic EAPs. The articles in this issue cover the key material types used in these two groups, review the mechanisms that drive them, and provide examples of applications and current challenges. Recent advances in the development of these materials have led to improvement in the induced strain and force and the further application of EAPs as actuators for mimicking biologic systems and sensors. As described in this issue, the use of these actuators is enabling exciting applications that would be considered impossible otherwise.

  • Electroactive Polymer based microfluidic pump
    Lab-on-a-Chip: Platforms Devices and Applications, 2004
    Co-Authors: Feng Xia, Srinivas Tadigadapa, Q M Zhang
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT A Polymer microfluidic pump has been developed using electrostrictive poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) based Polymer, which possesses a large electrostrictive strain (5-7%) and high elastic energy density (1 J/cm 3 ), as the driving microactuator. The microfluidic pump was realized by integrating a nozzle/diffuser type fluidic mechanical-diode structure with the Polymer microactuator, which shows an actuation deflection of 80 µ m for a pumping chamber of 2.2x2.2 mm 2 . The microfluidic pump could pump methanol at a flow rate of 25 µ L/min at 63 Hz with a backpressure of 350 Pa. The flow rate of this pump could be easily controlled by external electrical field. Results from both analytical and numerical analysis show that, due to the high load capability of the microactuator, the frequency response of this nozzle/diffuser pump is mainly limited by the resonance of the fluid in the fluid channel. Keywords : Microfluidic pump, electro active Polymers, Bio-MEMS 1. INTRODUCTION

Qibing Pei - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Phase-Changing Bistable Electroactive Polymer Exhibiting Sharp Rigid-to-Rubbery Transition
    Macromolecules, 2015
    Co-Authors: Zhi Ren, Xiaofan Niu, Chao Liu, Qibing Pei
    Abstract:

    A phase-changing Polymer comprising stearyl acrylate and a long-chain urethane diacrylate was studied as a new bistable Electroactive Polymer. The abrupt and reversible phase transition of the crystalline aggregates of the stearyl moieties results in a rapid shift between the rigid and rubbery states of the Polymers during temperature cycles. The transition temperature is tunable between 34–46 °C. A storage modulus change of ∼1000 fold can be obtained within a narrow temperature range of 10 °C. The Polymer shows excellent shape memory properties with both fixation rate and recovery rate close to 100%. Diaphragm actuators based on the Polymer thin films were electrically actuated up to 70% strain at 50 °C. The actuated shape can be “frozen” after the films were allowed to cool below the transition temperature. This rigid-to-rigid deformation is refreshable and repeatable via the rigid-to-rubbery transition and electrical actuation in the rubbery state.

  • bistable Electroactive Polymer for refreshable braille display with improved actuation stability
    Proceedings of SPIE, 2012
    Co-Authors: Xiaofan Niu, Paul Brochu, Hristiyan Stoyanov, Sung Ryul Yun, Qibing Pei
    Abstract:

    Poly(t-butyl acrylate) is a bistable Electroactive Polymer (BSEP) capable of rigid-to-rigid actuation. The BSEP combines the large-strain actuation of dielectric elastomers with shape memory property. We have introduced a material approach to overcome pull-in instability in poly(t-butyl acrylate) that significantly improves the actuation lifetime at strains greater than 100%. Refreshable Braille display devices with size of a smartphone screen have been fabricated to manifest a potential application of the BSEP. We will report the testing results of the devices by a Braille user.

  • Large-strain, rigid-to-rigid deformation of bistable Electroactive Polymers
    Applied Physics Letters, 2009
    Co-Authors: Wei Yuan, Paul Brochu, Bin Chen, Zhitian Liu, Qibing Pei
    Abstract:

    Thermoplastic poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PTBA) is reported as an Electroactive Polymer that is rigid at ambient conditions and turns into a dielectric elastomer above a transition temperature. In the rubbery state, a PTBA thin film can be electrically actuated to strains up to 335% in area expansion. The calculated actuation pressure is 3.2 MPa. The actuation is made bistable by cooling to below glass transition temperature. The PTBA represents the bistable Electroactive Polymer (BSEP) that can be actuated to various largely strained, rigid shapes. The application of the BSEP for refreshable Braille display, an active tactile display, is also demonstrated.

Federico Carpi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Electroactive Polymer actuators as artificial muscles are they ready for bioinspired applications
    Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, 2011
    Co-Authors: Federico Carpi, Roy D Kornbluh, Peter Sommerlarsen, Gursel Alici
    Abstract:

    Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuators are electrically responsive materials that have several characteristics in common with natural muscles. Thus, they are being studied as 'artificial muscles' for a variety of biomimetic motion applications. EAP materials are commonly classified into two major families: ionic EAPs, activated by an electrically induced transport of ions and/or solvent, and electronic EAPs, activated by electrostatic forces. Although several EAP materials and their properties have been known for many decades, they have found very limited applications. Such a trend has changed recently as a result of an effective synergy of at least three main factors: key scientific breakthroughs being achieved in some of the existing EAP technologies; unprecedented electromechanical properties being discovered in materials previously developed for different purposes; and higher concentration of efforts for industrial exploitation. As an outcome, after several years of basic research, today the EAP field is just starting to undergo transition from academia into commercialization, with significant investments from large companies. This paper presents a brief overview on the full range of EAP actuator types and the most significant areas of interest for applications. It is hoped that this overview can instruct the reader on how EAPs can enable bioinspired motion systems.

  • EMBC - Electroactive Polymer patches for wearable haptic interfaces
    Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual Inte, 2011
    Co-Authors: Danilo Emilio De Rossi, Federico Carpi, Nicola Carbonaro, Alessandro Tognetti, Enzo Pasquale Scilingo
    Abstract:

    Fully wearable and unobtrusive sensing will enable the possibility of monitoring people anywhere and anytime, for healthcare, well-being, protection and safety. Many research groups have exploited textiles as the ideal platform for pervasive monitoring. This paper reports advances in Electroactive Polymer technology oriented to mechanical sensing and actuation within textile interfaces. The preliminary development of a textile-based glove in which Electroactive Polymers act as force/position sensors and haptic feedback actuators is presented.

  • Electroactive Polymer Artificial Muscles:An Overview
    Design and Nature V, 2010
    Co-Authors: Federico Carpi, Danilo Emilio De Rossi
    Abstract:

    Electroactive Polymers as smart actuation materials with muscle-like properties represent an emerging scientific field, bridging material science, mechanical and electrical engineering, and medical disciplines. EAP materials are commonly classified into two major families: ionic EAPs, activated by an electricallyinduced transport of ions and/or solvent, and electronic EAPs, activated by electrostatic forces. This paper provides a brief overview on the field, highlighting fundamental features of the most relevant Electroactive Polymer technologies currently available.

  • biomedical applications of Electroactive Polymer actuators
    2009
    Co-Authors: Federico Carpi, Elisabeth Smela
    Abstract:

    Preface. List of Contributors. Introduction. Polymer Gels. 1. Polymer Gel Actuators: Fundamentals (Paul Calvert). 1.1. Introduction and Historical Overview. 1.2. Properties of Gels. 1.3. Chemical and Physical Formation of Gels. 1.4. Actuation Methods. 1.5. Performance of Gels as Actuators. 1.6. Applications of Electroactive Gels. 1.7. Conclusions. References. 2. Bioresponsive Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications (Tom McDonald, Alison Patrick, Richard Williams, Brian G. Cousins and Rein V. Ulijn). 2.1. Introduction. 2.2. Chemical Hydrogels. 2.3. Physical Hydrogels. 2.4. Defining Bioresponsive Hydrogels. 2.5. Bioresponsive Chemical Hydrogels. 2.6. Bioresponsive Physical Hydrogels. 2.7. Electroactive Chemical Hydrogels. 2.8. Conclusion. References. 3. Stimuli-Responsive and 'Active' Polymers in Drug Delivery (Aram Omar Saeed, Johannes Pall MagnGBPsson, Beverley Twaites and Cameron Alexander). 3.1. Introduction. 3.2. Drug Delivery: Examples, Challenges and Opportunities for Polymers. 3.3. The emerging State of the Art Mechanisms In Polymer Controlled Release Systems. 3.4. Responsive or 'Smart' Polymers in Drug Delivery. 3.5. Recent Highlights of Actuated Polymers for Drug Delivery Applications. 3.6. Conclusions and Future Outlook. References. 4. Thermally Driven Hydrogel Actuator for Controllable Flow Rate Pump in Long-Term Drug Delivery (Piero Chiarelli and Pietro Ragni). 4.1. Introduction. 4.2. Materials and Methods. 4.3. Hydrogel Actuator. 4.4. Pump Functioning. 4.5. Conclusion. References. Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC). 5. IPMC actuators: Fundamentals (Kinji Asaka and Keisuke Oguro). 5.1. Introduction. 5.2. Fabrications. 5.3. Measurement. 5.4. Performance of the IPMC Actuator. 5.5. Model. 5.6. Recent Developments. 5.7. Conclusion. References. 6. Active Micro-Catheter and Biomedical Soft Devices Based on IPMC Actuators (Kinji Asaka and Keisuke Oguro). 6.1. Introduction. 6.2. Fabrication of the IPMC Device. 6.3. Applications to Micro-Catheter. 6.4. Other Applications. 6.5. Conclusions. References. 7. Implantable Heart-Assist and Compression Devices Employing Active Network of Electrically-Controllable Ionic Polymeric Metal Nanocomposites (Mohsen Shahinpoor). 7.1. Introduction. 7.2. Heart Failure. 7.3. Background of IPMNCs. 7.4. Three-Dimensional Fabrication of IPMNCs. 7.5. Electrically-Induced Robotic Actuation. 7.6. Distributed Nanosensing and Transduction. 7.7. Modeling and Simulation. 7.8. Application of IPMNCs to Heart Compression and Assist In General. 7.9. Manufacturing of Thick IPMC Fingers. 7.10. Conclusions. References. 8. IPMC Based Tactile Displays for Pressure and Texture Presentation on a Human Finger (Masashi Konyo and Satoshi Tadokoro). 8.1. Introduction. 8.2. IPMC actuators as a Tactile Stimulator. 8.3. Wearable Tactile Display. 8.4. Selective Stimulation Method for Tactile Synthesis. 8.5. Texture Synthesis Method. 8.6. Display Method for Pressure Sensation. 8.7. Display method for roughness sensation. 8.8. Display method for friction sensation. 8.9. Synthesis of total textural feeling. 8.10. Conclusions. References. 9. IPMC Assisted Infusion Micropumps (Il-Seok Park, Sonia Vohnout, Mark Banister, Sangki Lee, Sang-Mun Kim and Kwang J. Kim). 9.1. Introduction. 9.2. Background of IPMC. 9.3. Miniature Disposable Infusion IPMC Micropumps. 9.4. Modeling for IPMC Micropumps. 9.5. Conclusions. References. Conjugated Polymers. 10. Conjugated Polymer Actuators: Fundamentals (Geoffrey M. Spinks, Gursel Alici, Scott McGovern, Binbin Xi and Gordon G. Wallace). 10.1. Introduction. 10.2. Molecular Mechanisms of Actuation in ICPs. 10.3. Comparison of Actuation Performance in Various ICPs. 10.4. Electrochemistry of ICPs. 10.5. Effect of Composition, Geometry and Electrolyte on Actuation of PPy. 10.6. Mechanical System Response. 10.7. Device Design and Optimization. 10.8. Future Prospects. References. 11. Steerable Catheters (Tina Shoa, John D. Madden, Nigel R. Munce and Victor X. D. Yang). 11.1. Introduction. 11.2. Catheters: History And Current Applications. 11.3. Catheter Design Challenges. 11.4. Active Steerable Catheters. 11.5. Discussion and Conclusion. References. 12. Microfabricated Conjugated Polymer Actuators for Microvalves, Cell Biology and Microrobotics (Elisabeth Smela). 12.1. Introduction. 12.2. Actuator Background. 12.3. Microfabrication. 12.4. Single Hinge Bilayer Devices: Flaps and Lids. 12.5. Multi-Bilayer Devices: Positioning Tools. 12.6. Swelling Film Devices: Valves. 12.7. Lifetime. 12.8. Integrated systems. 12.9. Conclusions. References. 13. Actuated Pins for Braille Displays (Geoffrey M. Spinks and Gordon G. Wallace). 13.1. Introduction. 13.2. Requirements for Electronic Braille screen. 13.3. Mechanical Analysis of Actuators Operating against Springs. 13.4. Polypyrrole Actuators for Electronic Braille Pins. 13.5. Other Polymer Actuation Systems for Electronic Braille Pins. 13.6. Summary. Acknowledgements. References. 14. Nanostructured Conducting Polymer Biomaterials and Their Applications in Controlled Drug Delivery (Mohammad Reza Abidian and David C. Martin). 14.1. Introduction. 14.2. Nanostructured Conducting Polymers. 14.3. Conducting Polymer Nanotubes for Controlled Drug Delivery. 14.4. Conclusions. Acknowledgements. References. 15. Integrated Oral Drug Delivery System with Valve Based on Polypyrrole (Thorsten Gottsche and Stefan Haeberle). 15.1. Introduction. 15.2. System Concept. 15.3. Osmotic Pressure Pump. 15.4. Polypyrrole in Actuator Applications. 15.5. Valve Concepts Evaluated in the Course of the Intellidrug Project. 15.6. Total assembly and Clinical Testing of the Intellidrug System. Acknowledgements. References. Piezoelectric and Electrostrictive Polymers. 16. Piezoelectric and Electrostrictive Polymer Actuators: Fundamentals (Zhimin Li and Zhongyang Cheng). 16.1. Introduction. 16.2. Fundamentals of Electromechanical Materials. 16.3. Materials Properties related to Electromechanical Applications. 16.4. Typical Electromechanical Polymers and Their Properties. 16.5. Conclusion Remarks. References. 17. Miniature High Frequency Focused Ultrasonic Transducers for Minimally Invasive Imaging Procedures (Aaron Fleischman, Sushma Srivanas, Chaitanya Chandrana and Shuvo Roy). 17.1. Introduction. 17.2. Coronary Imaging Needs. 17.3. High Resolution Ultrasonic Transducers. 17.4. Fabrication Techniques. 17.5. Testing Methods. 17.6. Results. 17.7. Conclusion. References. 18. Catheters for Thrombosis Sample in Blood Vessels Using Piezoelectric Polymer Fibers (Yoshiro Tajitsu). 18.1. Introduction. 18.2. Piezoelectricity of Polymer Film and Fiber. 18.3. Simple Measurement Method for Bending Motion of Piezoelectric Polymer Fiber. 18.4. Piezoelectric Motion of PLLA Fiber. 18.5. Elementary Demonstration of Prototype System for Catheters Using Piezoelectric Polymer Fiber. 18.6. Summary. References. 19. Piezoelectric Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) in Biomedical Ultrasound Exposimetry (Gerald R. Harris). 19.1. Introduction. 19.2. Needle Hydrophone Design. 19.3. Spot-Poled Membrane Hydrophone Design. 19.4. Application to Diagnostic Ultrasound. 19.5. Application to Therapeutic Ultrasound. 19.6. Conclusion. References. Dielectric Elastomers. 20. Dielectric Elastomer Actuators: Fundamentals (Roy Kornbluh, Richard Heydt and Ron Pelrine). 20.1. Introduction. 20.2. Basic Principle of Operation. 20.3. Dielectric Elastomer Materials. 20.4. Transducer Designs and Configurations. 20.5. Operational Considerations. References. 21. Biomedical Applications of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (John S. Bashkin, Roy Kornbluh, Harsha Prahlad and Annjoe Wong-Foy). 21.1. Introduction. 21.2. UMA-Based Actuators and Their Application to Pumps. 21.3. Mechanical Stimulation Using Thickness-Mode Actuation. 21.4. Implantable Artificial Diaphragm Muscle. 21.5. Implantable Artificial Facial Muscles. 21.6. Limb Prosthetics and Orthotics. 21.7. Mechanical Actuation for 'Active' Cell Culture Assays. 21.8. Conclusions. References. 22. MRI Compatible Device for Robotic Assisted Interventions to Prostate Cancer (Jean-Sebastien Plante, Lauren Devita, Kenjiro Tadakuma and Steven Dubowsky). 22.1. Introduction. 22.2. Prostate Cancer Therapy. 22.3. Elastically Averaged Parallel Manipulator Using Dielectric Elastomer Actuators. 22.4. Results. 22.5. Conclusions. Acknowledgements. References. 23. A Braille Display System for the Visually Disabled Using a Polymer Based Soft Actuator (Hyouk Ryeol Choi, Ig Mo Koo, Kwangmok Jung, Se-gon Roh, Ja Choon Koo, Jae-do Nam and Young Kwan Lee). 23.1. Introduction. 23.2. Fundamentals on Actuation Principle. 23.3. Design of Tactile Display Device. 23.4. Braille Display System. 23.5. Advanced Applications. 23.6. Conclusions. References. 24. Dynamic Splint-Like Hand Orthosis For Finger Rehabilitation (Federico Carpi, Andrea Mannini and Danilo De Rossi). 24.1. Introduction. 24.2. Passive Dynamic Hand Splints: State of the Art. 24.3. Active Dynamic Hand Splints: State of the Art. 24.4. Proposed Concept: Dynamic Splint Equipped with Dielectric Elastomer Actuators. 24.5. Splint Mechanics. 24.6. Dimensioning of the Actuators. 24.7. Prototype Splint. 24.8. Performances of the Prototype Splint. 24.9. Future Developments. 24.10. Conclusions. References. Index.

  • dielectric elastomers as electromechanical transducers fundamentals materials devices models and applications of an emerging Electroactive Polymer technology
    2008
    Co-Authors: Federico Carpi, Roy D Kornbluh, Danilo De Rossi, Ronald Pelrine
    Abstract:

    This book provides a comprehensive and updated insight into dielectric elastomers; one of the most promising classes of Polymer-based smart materials and technologies. This technology can be used in a very broad range of applications, from robotics and automation to the biomedical field. The need for improved transducer performance has resulted in considerable efforts towards the development of devices relying on materials with intrinsic transduction properties. These materials, often termed as "smart or "intelligent , include improved piezoelectrics and magnetostrictive or shape-memory materials. Emerging electromechanical transduction technologies, based on so-called Electroactive Polymers (EAP), have gained considerable attention. EAP offer the potential for performance exceeding other smart materials, while retaining the cost and versatility inherent to Polymer materials. Within the EAP family, "dielectric elastomers , are of particular interest as they show good overall performance, simplicity of structure and robustness. Dielectric elastomer transducers are rapidly emerging as high-performance "pseudo-muscular actuators, useful for different kinds of tasks. Further, in addition to actuation, dielectric elastomers have also been shown to offer unique possibilities for improved generator and sensing devices. Dielectric elastomer transduction is enabling an enormous range of new applications that were precluded to any other EAP or smart-material technology until recently. This book provides a comprehensive and updated insight into dielectric elastomer transduction, covering all its fundamental aspects. The book deals with transduction principles, basic materials properties, design of efficient device architectures, material and device modelling, along with applications. * Concise and comprehensive treatment for practitioners and academics * Guides the reader through the latest developments in Electroactive-Polymer-based technology * Designed for ease of use with sections on fundamentals, materials, devices, models and applications

Jinsong Leng - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • ???Two way??? shape memory composites based on Electroactive Polymer and thermoplastic membrane
    Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2016
    Co-Authors: Yongtao Yao, Jingjie Wang, Tianyang Zhou, Zhenghong Li, Haibao Lu, Y.j Liu, Jinsong Leng
    Abstract:

    A practical and facile strategy was proposed to fabricate composites that not only use the properties of individual components (commercial Electroactive Polymer and thermoplastic resin) to their advantage, but also produce synergy effect of ???two way??? shape memory properties. In this design, Electroactive Polymer is treated as soft segment which provides actuation force via converting electrical energy to dynamic energy. Thermoplastic material serves as ???hard segment??? to help with fixation of temporary shape thanks to its re-structuring and stiffness/modulus changing abilities through the reversible transitional temperature. Compared with traditional one way and two way shape memory materials, this composite material has the capability of changing shape without pre-programming. High shape recover property (99 ?? 0.3%.) has been obtained due to the rubber elasticity of Electroactive Polymer matrix. Many features could be brought up based on this design, such as accurate control over deformation by changing strength of applied electric field as well as tailorable stimulus temperature and mechanical properties.

  • RECENT PROGRESSES IN PolymerIC SMART MATERIALS
    International Journal of Modern Physics B, 2010
    Co-Authors: Yanju Liu, Xin Lan, Haibao Lu, Jinsong Leng
    Abstract:

    Smart materials can be defined as materials that sense and react to environmental conditions or stimuli. In recent years, a wide range of novel smart materials have been developed in biomaterials, sensors, actuators, etc. Their applications cover aerospace, automobile, telecommunications, etc. This paper presents some recent progresses in Polymeric smart materials. Special emphasis is laid upon Electroactive Polymer (EAP), shape memory Polymer (SMP) and their composites. For the Electroactive Polymer, an analysis of stability of dielectric elastomer using strain energy function is derived, and one type of Electroactive Polymer actuator is presented. For the shape memory Polymer, a new method is developed to use infrared laser to actuate the SMP through the optical fiber embedded within the SMP. Electrically conductive nanocarbon powders are utilized as the fillers to improve the electrical conductivity of Polymer. A series of fundamental investigations of Electroactive SMP are performed and the shape recovery is demonstrated.