Bending actuation of a composite liquid crystal elastomer via direct Joule heating

F. Greco, V. Domenici, T. Assaf, S. Romiti, V. Mattoli

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

9 Citations (SciVal)

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publication2012 4th IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2012
Pages646-651
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2012
Event2012 4th IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2012 - Rome, Italy
Duration: 24 Jun 201227 Jun 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics
ISSN (Print)2155-1774

Conference

Conference2012 4th IEEE RAS and EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics, BioRob 2012
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period24/06/1227/06/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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