Basic Characterization of a Linear Elastomer Actuator

Author(s):  
Claudia Pagano ◽  
Matteo Malosio ◽  
Irene Fassi

Innovative types of actuators are required for several applications, especially in the field of medicine, robotics and micro-systems. In this context, Electroactive Polymers represent a promising group among all smart materials. They can change their dimensions and shape when an external voltage is applied, and their mechanical flexibility and ease of processing offer advantages over traditional electroactive materials expanding the options for different mechanical configurations. Dielectric elastomers are among the most promising EAPs for many applications, including actuators and sensors for the microfactory: they work in a dry environment, can achieve great deformations and support high voltage. They can be represented by a parallel plate capacitor: under an electric field the elastomer is squeezed in the thickness causing expansion in the transverse direction. Dielectric EAP actuators require large electric fields (hundreds of kV/mm) but can produce very large strain (up to 400%). Due to their unique properties and potential applications, in this paper the study of the electromechanical behaviour of a dielectric elastomer and a possible application related with the microfabrication of hybrid microsystem is presented.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2107 (1) ◽  
pp. 012016
Author(s):  
F Abdul Haris ◽  
M Z A Ab Kadir ◽  
S Sudin ◽  
D Johari ◽  
M N Hamzah

Abstract Lightning can occur between the clouds (intra-clouds), ground-to-cloud (CG), and inside the clouds. The lightning strike hazards can be managed appropriately using a lightning detector system consisting of an antenna, buffer amplifier circuit, and a measurement device. In this study, the development and fabrication of small-scale parallel plate antenna were carried out by reducing the physical height and antenna dimension to measure the generated electric fields. The experimental work was conducted at the rooftop of the College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Selangor, Malaysia, from August 2019 to March 2020. The total number of 115 return strokes (RS) of negative lightning events were recorded during the measurement period. Characterization of seven types of criteria for negative return stroke has been analysed and compared to the existing parallel plate antenna with a similar climate condition and different countries. Based on the comparative study, the proposed and the existing parallel plate antenna shows a good agreement. Hence, the proposed small-scale parallel plate antenna can be used as a portable, lightweight, and easy to install device for the lightning measurement system.


MRS Bulletin ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongyang Cheng ◽  
Qiming Zhang

AbstractField-activated electroactive polymers (FEAPs) are a class of electroactive polymers that are insulating and exhibit coulombic interaction with and dipole formation in response to external electric signals. There are many polarization mechanisms in insulating polymers, from the molecular to the mesoscopic and even the macroscopic level, which couple strongly with mechanical deformation and can be used to create polymer actuators and sensors. FEAPs feature fast response speed limited by the polymer dielectric and elastic relaxation time, a very large strain level (to more than 100% strain), high electromechanical efficiency, the ability to operate down to micro/nanoelectromechanical devices, and a highly reproducible strain response under electric fields. One challenge in FEAP actuators and electromechanical devices is reducing the operation voltage to below 100 V or even 10 V while achieving an electromechanical conversion efficiency comparable with that of inorganic electroactive materials.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (32) ◽  
pp. 16661-16668
Author(s):  
Huayao Tu ◽  
Shouzhi Wang ◽  
Hehe Jiang ◽  
Zhenyan Liang ◽  
Dong Shi ◽  
...  

The carbon fiber/metal oxide/metal oxynitride layer sandwich structure is constructed in the electrode to form a mini-plate capacitor. High dielectric constant metal oxides act as dielectric to increase their capacitance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azam Sardari ◽  
Ali Asghar Sabbagh Alvani ◽  
Seyed Reza Ghaffarian

Author(s):  
Emily C. Whipple ◽  
Camille A. Favero ◽  
Neal F. Kassell

Abstract Introduction Intra-arterial (lA) delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an evolving strategy which enables the distribution of high concentration therapeutics through a targeted vascular territory, while potentially limiting systemic toxicity. Studies have demonstrated lA methods to be safe and efficacious for a variety of therapeutics. However, further characterization of the clinical efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors and refinement of its potential applications are necessary. Methods We have reviewed the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion (SSJACI) with BBB disruption for the treatment of brain tumors. In addition, we review ongoing clinical trials expanding the applicability and investigating the efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors. Results Trends in recent studies have embraced the use of SSIACI and less neurotoxic chemotherapies. The majority of trials continue to use mannitol as the preferred method of hyperosmolar BBB disruption. Recent preclinical and preliminary human investigations into the lA delivery of Bevacizumab have demonstrated its safety and efficacy as an anti-tumor agent both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Conclusion lA drug delivery may significantly affect the way treatment are delivered to patients with brain tumors, and in particular GBM. With refinement and standardization of the techniques of lA drug delivery, improved drug selection and formulations, and the development of methods to minimize treatment-related neurological injury, lA therapy may offer significant benefits for the treatment of brain tumors.


RSC Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 7873-7885
Author(s):  
Maciej Dębowski ◽  
Zbigniew Florjańczyk ◽  
Andrzej Ostrowski ◽  
Piotr A. Guńka ◽  
Janusz Zachara ◽  
...  

Electrically conducting or electroresponsive smart materials derived from newly synthesized and characterized 1D/2D (nano)particles of zinc phenylphosphates are reported.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5781
Author(s):  
Janarthanan Supramaniam ◽  
Darren Yi Sern Low ◽  
See Kiat Wong ◽  
Loh Teng Hern Tan ◽  
Bey Fen Leo ◽  
...  

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) isolated from plant biomass have attracted considerable interests in polymer engineering. The limitations associated with CNF-based nanocomposites are often linked to the time-consuming preparation methods and lack of desired surface functionalities. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a multifunctional CNF-zinc oxide (CNF-ZnO) nanocomposite with dual antibacterial and reinforcing properties via a facile and efficient ultrasound route. We characterized and examined the antibacterial and mechanical reinforcement performances of our ultrasonically induced nanocomposite. Based on our electron microscopy analyses, the ZnO deposited onto the nanofibrous network had a flake-like morphology with particle sizes ranging between 21 to 34 nm. pH levels between 8–10 led to the formation of ultrafine ZnO particles with a uniform size distribution. The resultant CNF-ZnO composite showed improved thermal stability compared to pure CNF. The composite showed potent inhibitory activities against Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) and Gram-negative Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) bacteria. A CNF-ZnO-reinforced natural rubber (NR/CNF-ZnO) composite film, which was produced via latex mixing and casting methods, exhibited up to 42% improvement in tensile strength compared with the neat NR. The findings of this study suggest that ultrasonically-synthesized palm CNF-ZnO nanocomposites could find potential applications in the biomedical field and in the development of high strength rubber composites.


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