Papers by Keyword: Electroactive

Abstract: We report a novel high-performance electroactive polymer actuator based on poly (vinylidene fluoride) (i.e., PVDF) and graphene. The PVDF-graphene composite membranes were fabricated through electrospinning method. The electrospun composite membrane has a three-dimensional network structure, high porosity, and large ionic liquid solution uptake which are a prerequisite for high performance dry-type electroactive soft actuators. The conductive poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layers were deposited on the surfaces of the composite membrane through dipping-drying method. The electroactive PVDF-graphene actuators under both harmonic and step electrical inputs show larger bending deformation and faster response time than the pure PVDF actuator. X-ray diffusion (XRD) and ionic conductivity testing results for the PVDF-graphene membrane were compared with those of pristine PVDF. Most important, the PVDF-graphene actuator shows much larger bending deformation under low input voltage, and this could be due to the synergistic effects of the higher ionic conductivity of PVDF-graphene membrane and the electrochemical doping processes of the PEDOT:PSS electrode layers.

Abstract: This article, the preparation and corrosion protection studies of a series of electroactive epoxy titanium dioxide (EET) hybrid materials containing conjugated segments of electroactive amino-capped aniline trimer (ACAT) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles of ~100 nm in diameter was first presented. It should be noted that EET at higher concentration of TiO₂ was found to reveal better corrosion protection effect as compared to neat electroactive epoxy coating on cold-rolled steel (CRS) electrode based on electrochemical corrosion measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl electrolyte. Effective enhancement of corrosion protection of EET coatings could be interpreted by electroactive epoxy as a densely physical barrier coating and the redox catalytic capabilities of ACAT units existed in EET may induce the formation of passive metal oxide layers on CRS electrode. Further the well-dispersed TiO₂ nanoparticles in EET matrix could act as effective hinder to enhance the oxygen barrier property of EET.

Abstract: Steady organic-inorganic perovskite hybrids with (H22-Ap)3/2Fe(CN)6, (H23-Ap)3/2Fe(CN)6 and (H24-AP)3/2Fe(CN)6 (2-AP = 2-aminopyridine, 3-AP = 3- aminopyridine, 4-AP = 4- aminopyridine) were formed from aqueous solution. Each structure was an unusual layered organic-inorganic structural type. A device was designed to construct electrochemical sensing devices using above organic-inorganic perovskite hybrids. The sequence of redox activity is (H24-Ap)3/2Fe(CN)6 > (H22-Ap)3/2Fe(CN)6 > (H23-AP)3/2Fe(CN)6 and that of electrocatalytical activity is (H22-Ap)3/2Fe(CN)6 > (H23-Ap)3/2Fe(CN)6 > (H24-AP)3/2Fe(CN)6. The variation coefficients (RSD) of successive and interval assays are less than 2.0%. Three electrochemical sensing devices display a remarkable electrochemical sensitivity and stability.

Abstract: The power generation characteristics of electroactive acrylic elastomer (EAE) were studied by experiments based on theoretical analysis. The generator mode theory fundamentals of EAE were discussed and studied. A power conversion control system for EAE was designed. The experimental results show that energy generated as nearly incompressible elastomer layers increase in area and decrease in thickness when EAE stretched, and power generated when EAE relaxed. The voltage of generation increased with the bias voltage increasing. The experimental results accorded with analytical model and lay the foundation for generator of EAE.

Abstract: The preliminary results of gel swelling experiments are reported, and then compared to predictions made by a recently-developed finite element model (FEM). This model utilises energy transport between different energy domains, and is being used to simulate gel swelling dynamics. Initial experiments have revealed the model does capture the general behaviour of polymer hydrogel swelling dynamics and further improvements are necessary for better accuracy.