Efficient, Absorption-Powered Artificial Muscles Based on Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Yarns

Small. 2015 Jul;11(26):3113-8. doi: 10.1002/smll.201500424. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Abstract

A new type of absorption-powered artificial muscle provides high performance without needing a temperature change. These muscles, comprising coiled carbon nanotube fibers infiltrated with silicone rubber, can contract up to 50% to generate up to 1.2 kJ kg(-1) . The drive mechanism for actuation is the rubber swelling during exposure to a nonpolar solvent. Theoretical energy efficiency conversion can be as high as 16%.

Keywords: absorption-powered muscle; artificial muscles; carbon nanotube yarns; coiled muscles; tensile actuators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption, Physicochemical
  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry*
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Energy Transfer
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry*
  • Nanoconjugates / chemistry
  • Nanoconjugates / ultrastructure
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Silicone Elastomers / chemistry*
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Nanoconjugates
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Silicone Elastomers