A Low-Voltage, High-Force Capacity Electroadhesive Clutch Based on Ionoelastomer Heterojunctions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Dielectric electroadhesives require high voltages and are prone to breakdown.
• Ionoelastomer heterojunctions offer low-voltage adhesion but have limited force capacity and high detachment forces.
• A significant challenge exists in developing electroadhesives with high force capacity and programmable detachment at low voltages (<10 V).

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer novel electroadhesive clutches with large force capacities and programmable detachment at low operating voltages.
• To synthesize tough ionoelastomer/metal mesh composites with controlled surface roughness and low surface energies.
• To develop models explaining the influence of clutch compliance and surface texture on force capacity and contact area.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of tough ionoelastomer/metal mesh composites.
• Controlled surface roughness engineering.
• Modeling based on fracture and contact mechanics.
• Experimental validation across different geometries and voltages.

Main Results:

• Achieved sub-ten-volt electroadhesive clutches (<10 V) with high strength and easy detachability.
• Demonstrated fivefold improvement in force capacity per unit area (102 N cm⁻²) compared to existing electroadhesive clutches.
• Reduced operating voltage by 40-fold (± 7.5 V).

Conclusions:

• The developed ionoelastomer clutches represent a significant advancement in electroadhesive technology.
• These clutches exhibit superior performance in terms of force capacity, operating voltage, and detachability.
• Demonstrated practical applications in a finger wearable and an adjustable phone mount, highlighting their versatility.