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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

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The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
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Actin Polymerization01:42

Actin Polymerization

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Actin polymerization occurs through the head-to-tail association of binding sites on monomeric actin or G-actin to form filamentous or F-actin. The polymerization can be divided into three phases ̶  nucleation, elongation, and steady-state phase.
The nucleation phase involves forming a stable nucleus consisting of three actin monomers to form a new actin filament. Actin-binding proteins such as formins and Arp2/3 complex help filament growth post-nucleation. The Formins form straight...
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Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

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Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
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Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
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Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

3.7K
Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
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Fabrication of Carbon-Based Ionic Electromechanically Active Soft Actuators
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Polymer Complex Fiber for Linear Actuation with High Working Density and Stable Catch-State.

Dezhong Liu1, Liping Zhu1, Wentao Huang1

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New fiber-based linear actuators (FLAs) offer high performance for microrobots and biomimetic devices. These cost-effective actuators can lift over 1000x their weight and exhibit a stable lock-up state.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Robotics
  • Biomimetics

Background:

  • Fiber-based linear actuators (FLAs) are crucial for microrobots and biomimetic systems.
  • Developing FLAs with a balance of output stress, strain, and high working density remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the preparation and performance of a novel FLA system.
  • To achieve high output stress and strain with mass-producible, cost-effective materials.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of FLAs using commercially available materials.
  • Testing actuator performance under environmental stimuli, including contraction ratio, output stress, and work density.
  • Evaluation of the actuator's stability in a catch-state.

Main Results:

  • FLAs demonstrated the ability to lift objects exceeding 1000 times their own weight.
  • Achieved a contraction ratio of 30% and an output stress of 0.24 MPa.
  • Reported a sustainable work density of approximately 80 J/kg, 10 times that of human skeletal muscle, with stable catch-state functionality.

Conclusions:

  • The developed FLA system offers a promising solution for high-performance microrobotic and biomimetic applications.
  • The use of readily available materials enables cost-effective mass production.
  • The actuators exhibit superior work density and stable locking capabilities compared to existing technologies.