Characterization of nanotube-based artificial muscle materials

Gavin Kiernan; Valerie Barron; David Blond; Anna Drury; Jonathan N. Coleman; Robert J. Murphy; Martin Cadek; Werner J. Blau

doi:10.1117/12.463907

27 August 2003 Characterization of nanotube-based artificial muscle materials

Gavin Kiernan, Valerie Barron, David Blond, Anna Drury, Jonathan N. Coleman, Robert J. Murphy, Martin Cadek, Werner J. Blau

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4876, Opto-Ireland 2002: Optics and Photonics Technologies and Applications; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.463907
Event: OPTO Ireland, 2002, Galway, Ireland

Abstract

Today, many materials are being investigated as possible artificial muscle devices. Nanotubes and conducting polymers are two of the most attractive materials for this application, because of their low operating voltage. In this research, a number of materials are investigated, including nanotube based polymer composites. Methods of characterisation include thermal analysis using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hot stage microscopy and polarized light microscopy were used to evaluate the morphology of the composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used as a compliment to the DSC and hot stage microscopy to examine the crystallinity. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was employed to determine the effect of the nanotubes on the molecular weight of the polymer. Since the application of this research is a biomedical device, the biocompatibility of the composites was examined using contact angle analysis and cytotoxicity tests. In summary, results to date indicate that these materials have promise as possible artificial muscle devices.

Citation Download Citation

Gavin Kiernan, Valerie Barron, David Blond, Anna Drury, Jonathan N. Coleman, Robert J. Murphy, Martin Cadek, and Werner J. Blau "Characterization of nanotube-based artificial muscle materials", Proc. SPIE 4876, Opto-Ireland 2002: Optics and Photonics Technologies and Applications, (27 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.463907

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