Efficient, absorption-powered artificial muscles based on carbon nanotube hybrid yarns

Authors

Marcio D. Lima, University of Texas
Mohammad W. Hussain, University of Texas at Dallas
Geoffrey M. Spinks, University of WollongongFollow
Sina Naficy, University of WollongongFollow
Daniela Hagenasr, University of Texas
Julia S. Bykova, University of Texas
Derrick Tolly, University of Texas
Ray H. Baughman, University of TexasFollow

RIS ID

98941

Publication Details

Lima, M. Dias., Hussain, M. W., Spinks, G. M., Naficy, S., Hagenasr, D., Bykova, J. S., Tolly, D. & Baughman, R. H. (2015). Efficient, absorption-powered artificial muscles based on carbon nanotube hybrid yarns. Small, 11 (26), 3113-3118.

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%.