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Bio-Inspired Polymer Composite Actuator and Generator Driven by Water Gradients

Author(s)
Ma, Mingming; Guo, Liang; Anderson, Daniel Griffith; Langer, Robert S
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Abstract
Here we describe the development of a water-responsive polymer film. Combining both a rigid matrix (polypyrrole) and a dynamic network (polyol-borate), strong and flexible polymer films were developed that can exchange water with the environment to induce film expansion and contraction, resulting in rapid and continuous locomotion. The film actuator can generate contractile stress up to 27 megapascals, lift objects 380 times heavier than itself, and transport cargo 10 times heavier than itself. We have assembled a generator by associating this actuator with a piezoelectric element. Driven by water gradients, this generator outputs alternating electricity at ~0.3 hertz, with a peak voltage of ~1.0 volt. The electrical energy is stored in capacitors that could power micro- and nanoelectronic devices.
Date issued
2013-01
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/91503
Department
Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT
Journal
Science
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Citation
Ma, M., L. Guo, D. G. Anderson, and R. Langer. “Bio-Inspired Polymer Composite Actuator and Generator Driven by Water Gradients.” Science 339, no. 6116 (January 10, 2013): 186–189.
Version: Author's final manuscript
ISSN
0036-8075
1095-9203

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