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Free-form Light Actuators — Fabrication and Control of Actuation in Microscopic Scale
Published on: May 25, 2016
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A remote controllable fiber-type near-infrared light-responsive actuator
Qiuwei Shi1, Jiahui Li, Chengyi Hou
1State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China. wanghz@dhu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|June 9, 2017
Summary
A novel sodium polyacrylate/graphene oxide fiber uses near-infrared light for remote actuation. This light-responsive material can rotate, roll, and even change fabric shapes, demonstrating versatile smart fiber applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing advanced materials for remote-controlled actuation is crucial for smart devices.
- Light-responsive polymers offer potential for precise and non-contact manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a novel near-infrared light-responsive fiber for remote actuation.
- To investigate the actuation capabilities of a torsional pre-deformed sodium polyacrylate/graphene oxide fiber.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a sodium polyacrylate (PAAS)/graphene oxide (GO) fiber.
- Incorporation of a torsional pre-deformation structure.
- Testing actuation responses under low-powered near-infrared (NIR) light (50 mW cm⁻²).
Main Results:
- The PAAS/GO fiber demonstrated remote actuation under NIR light control.
- Actuation included rotation at low temperatures (<25 °C) and rapid rolling (10x diameter in 10s).
- The fiber successfully drove shape changes in a fabric 20 times its weight.
Conclusions:
- The developed PAAS/GO fiber offers a promising platform for remote-controlled actuation.
- Its ability to perform complex movements and manipulate objects highlights its potential in soft robotics and smart textiles.
