Synthesis and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube/IPMC actuator for imitating locomotion of gecko's toes

Qingsong He; Min Yu; Yan Ding; Zhendong Dai

doi:10.1117/12.913764

3 April 2012 Synthesis and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube/IPMC actuator for imitating locomotion of gecko's toes

Qingsong He, Min Yu, Yan Ding, Zhendong Dai

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012; 83401M (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.913764
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCNT)/Nafion nanocomposite was fabricated by dispersion of treated MCNTs in a Nafion solution. The multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCNT) filler was prepared with the cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. Starting from cast Nafion membranes, IPMCs were manufactured by electroless plating. The current and the blocking force were measured with an IPMC actuation testing apparatus. Compared with a bare Nafion-based IPMC, the blocking force of the new IPMC improved 1-1.4 times, and the current increased by 33%-67%. The clearly enhanced performance of the new MCNT filler-based IPMC is attributed to the well-distributed MCNTs that improved the electrical properties of the IPMC. Finally, the new IPMC was successfully employed to directly actuate gecko-inspired adhesive arrays that we fabricated by ourselves.

Citation Download Citation

Qingsong He, Min Yu, Yan Ding, and Zhendong Dai "Synthesis and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube/IPMC actuator for imitating locomotion of gecko's toes", Proc. SPIE 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012, 83401M (3 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.913764

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