Multifunctional Actuator Based on Graphene/PDMS Composite Materials with Shape Programmable Configuration and High...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Photoresponsive smart actuators are gaining interest for advanced applications.
• Current limitations include low carbon material content, hindering performance.
• Developing actuators with enhanced photothermal properties is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and prepare a multifunctional bilayer composite actuator with controllable structures and high photothermal conversion efficiency.
• To investigate the performance of actuators with ultrahigh graphene content.
• To demonstrate the actuator's capability for programmable 3D shape configurations and robotic applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a bilayer composite actuator using graphene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and PDMS layers.
• Incorporation of an ultrahigh graphene mass fraction (30%) for enhanced properties.
• Utilizing thermal regulation, UV laser cutting, and assembly for shape programming.

Main Results:

• The actuator demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity and high photothermal conversion (room temperature to 120 °C in 1 s).
• Rapid photo-response capability was observed.
• Achieved programmable 3D shape configurations.
• Demonstrated robotic applications including bionic crawling (0.065 mm/s) and liquid tracking (106°/s rotation, 8.42 mm/s linear motion).

Conclusions:

• A simple and effective method for preparing multifunctional graphene composite actuators was developed.
• The high graphene content significantly enhances photothermal conversion and photo-response.
• The programmable actuators show great potential for advanced robotic systems.