Newton Output Blocking Force under Low-Voltage Stimulation for Carbon Nanotube–Electroactive Polymer Composite Artificial Muscles

This is a study on
the development of carbon nanotube-based composite actuators using
a new ionic liquid-doped electroactive ionic polymer. For scalable
production purposes, a simple hot-pressing method was used. Carbon
nanotube/ionic liquid-Nafion/carbon nanotube composite films were
fabricated that exhibited a large output blocking force and a stable
cycling life with low alternating voltage stimuli in air. Of particular
interest and importance, a blocking force of 1.5 N was achieved at
an applied voltage of 6 V. Operational durability was confirmed by
testing in air for over 30 000 cycles (or 43 h). The superior
actuation performance of the carbon nanotube/ionic liquid-Nafion/carbon
nanotube composite, coupled with easy manufacturability, low driving
voltage, and reliable operation, promises great potential for artificial
muscle and biomimetic applications.