Papers by Author: Chun Suk Song

Abstract: Cellulose-based Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) has been studied as an attractive electroactive polymer material for artificial muscles due to its low cost, availability, lightweight, large displacement output, low actuation voltage and low power consumption. However, the force output of EAPap is small since paper is so flexible that the bending stiffness is low. In this paper, the cellulose based EAPap material is enhanced by using carbon nanotubes with cellulose paper. Coating of multi-walled carbon nanotubes mixed with polyaniline on EAPap as well as MWNT dispersion in the paper are tried to enhance the force output of the EAPap. The coating process of MWNT/PANI on the EAPap and the dispersion of MWNT in the cellulose paper are explained. The performance of the hybrid EAPap actuators is evaluated in terms of tip displacement, blocking force and electrical power consumption. The power output and the actuator efficiency are improved.

Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of remotely-driven smart actuator utilized by electro-active paper (EAPap). The feature of remotely-driven smart actuator offers unique performance and application capabilities and exploit many of these unique capabilities. Since the microwave-driven actuator does not require carry-on-battery, ultra-lightweight, and distributed micro size actuators can be made. A dipole rectifying antenna (rectenna) array receives the microwave and converts it into a DC power. Recently, cellulose based paper has been came across as an lectroactive paper (EAPap) material so as to be used as artificial muscles for biomimetic insects. Since the power requirement of EAPap is less than the safety limit of microwave power in air, the EAPap actuators can be driven by wireless microwave power. This idea is useful for specific applications that require multifunctional capabilities such as smart skin, ultra-lightweight space structures, micro robots, flapping wing for insect-like flying objects and smart wall paper as well. Current research status along with its issues is addressed including a hybrid actuator of EAPap and conducting polymers that will enhance the performance of the actuator.