Abstract
In this work a new bi-layered composite actuator based on a polysiloxane-based monodomain nematic Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) and on a conductive PEDOT:PSS thin layer is proposed. The basic idea is to integrate electroconductive properties in the LCE and to validate the feasibility of direct actuation of the LCE by Joule heating of the conductive (and compliant) PEDOT:PSS layer. The fabrication of the actuator is achieved by depositing a thin conductive polymer layer by drop casting a PEDOT:PSS waterborne solution after having increased the LCE surface wettability with an air plasma treatment. The excellent stability of PEDOT:PSS and its mechanical properties, better matched with LCE ones compared to metals or inorganic nanoparticles used in other approaches, allowed to develop an all-organic reliable actuating composite based on thermoresponsive properties of LCE. Thermal actuation via direct Joule heating of the composite has been verified and prototypes of LCE/PEDOT:PSS bending actuators have been preliminary tested.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | 2012 4th IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2012 |
| Pages | 646-651 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 2012 4th IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2012 - Rome Duration: 2012 Jun 24 → 2012 Jun 27 |
Other
| Other | 2012 4th IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2012 |
|---|---|
| City | Rome |
| Period | 12/6/24 → 12/6/27 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering