Actuation of electrochemical, electro-magnetic, and electro-active actuators for carbon nanofiber and Ni nanowire reinforced polymer composites

Actuation of electrochemical, electro-magnetic, and electro-active actuators composed of CNF and/or Ni nanowire/polymer nanocomposites was evaluated with different materials and preparation processes. The actuated strain was compared with frequency, applied voltage, and wave type. The hysteresis of the actuated strain was continuously delayed in electrochemical actuators, whereas the strain was uniformly actuated in the electro-magnetic actuators. The actuated strain decreased with increasing frequency in both electrochemical and electro-magnetic actuators. In magnetic fields the actuated strain increased with increasing Ni nanowire content whereas the current increased with applied voltage. Ni nanowire/cellulose actuators in a magnetic field responded better at high frequencies, compared to the other actuators studied. Actuated strain of cellulose or Ni nanowire/cellulose nanocomposite in air was larger than either PVDF or PVDF/cellulose nanocomposite. In Ni nanowire/cellulose nanocomposite, actuated strain also decreased with increasing frequency and increased with increasing voltage. Electro-active actuators responded well in air when low voltages and high frequencies were applied compared to the other two actuators. Electro-active actuators in this paper have unique advantages for many practical applications, including easy fabrication, lightweight and low application voltages.