Elastomeric spring actuator using nylon wires

Medical devices are designed for collaboration with the human body, which makes the steps to create them increasingly more complex if the device is to be implanted. Soft robots have the unique potential of meeting both the mechanical compliance with the interacting tissues and the controlled functionality needed for a repair or replacement. Soft devices that fulfill fundamental mechanical roles are needed as parts of soft robots in order to carry out desired tasks. As the medical devices become increasingly low-profile, soft devices must feature multi-functionality that is embedded in the structure. A device embedded with nylon actuators allows for the controlled collapsing of an elastomeric spring by compression alone or compression and twisting. In this paper we present the concept of a novel elastomeric spring, its fabrication and mechanical characterization

Carbon nanotubes adhesion and nanomechanical behavior from peeling force spectroscopy

Applications based on Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWNT) are good example of the great need to continuously develop metrology methods in the field of nanotechnology. Contact and interface properties are key parameters that determine the efficiency of SWNT functionalized nanomaterials and nanodevices. In this work we have taken advantage of a good control of the SWNT growth processes at an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip apex and the use of a low noise (1E-13 m/rtHz) AFM to investigate the mechanical behavior of a SWNT touching a surface. By simultaneously recording static and dynamic properties of SWNT, we show that the contact corresponds to a peeling geometry, and extract quantities such as adhesion energy per unit length, curvature and bending rigidity of the nanotube. A complete picture of the local shape of the SWNT and its mechanical behavior is provided

Synergistic toughening of composite fibres by self-alignment of reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes

The extraordinary properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes motivate the development of methods for their use in producing continuous, strong, tough fibres. Previous work has shown that the toughness of the carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer fibres exceeds that of previously known materials. Here we show that further increased toughness results from combining carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide flakes in solution-spun polymer fibres. The gravimetric toughness approaches 1,000 J g−1, far exceeding spider dragline silk (165 J g−1) and Kevlar (78 J g−1). This toughness enhancement is consistent with the observed formation of an interconnected network of partially aligned reduced graphene oxide flakes and carbon nanotubes during solution spinning, which act to deflect cracks and allow energy-consuming polymer deformation. Toughness is sensitive to the volume ratio of the reduced graphene oxide flakes to the carbon nanotubes in the spinning solution and the degree of graphene oxidation. The hybrid fibres were sewable and weavable, and could be shaped into high-modulus helical springs

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

Shape-changing materials open an entirely new solution space for a wide range of disciplines: from architecture that responds to the environment and medical devices that unpack inside the body, to passive sensors and novel robotic actuators. While synthetic shape-changing materials are still in their infancy, studies of biological morphing materials have revealed key paradigms and features which underlie efficient natural shape-change. Here, we review some of these insights and how they have been, or may be, translated to artificial solutions. We focus on soft matter due to its prevalence in nature, compatibility with users and potential for novel design. Initially, we review examples of natural shape-changing materials—skeletal muscle, tendons and plant tissues—and compare with synthetic examples with similar methods of operation. Stimuli to motion are outlined in general principle, with examples of their use and potential in manufactured systems. Anisotropy is identified as a crucial element in directing shape-change to fulfil designed tasks, and some manufacturing routes to its achievement are highlighted. We conclude with potential directions for future work, including the simultaneous development of materials and manufacturing techniques and the hierarchical combination of effects at multiple length scales.</p

Structure et propriétés de fibres de nanotubes de carbone à haute énergie de rupture

Cette thèse rapporte l'étude de fibres composites nanotubes de carbone/polymère qui présentent des propriétés originales, dont notamment une très forte énergie de rupture potentiellement utile pour de futures applications balistiques. En effet, leur capacité d'absorption d'énergie est la plus importante jamais observée pour un matériau. Cette propriété est liée à la structure composite des fibres, qui est plus proche de celle des fibres naturelles comme la soie d'araignée, que de celle des fibres synthétiques hautes performances usuelles. La thèse présente des études de l'influence de modifications structurales sur les propriétés mécaniques, électriques et thermomécaniques des fibres, qui ont mis en évidence de nouvelles propriétés, comme des effets mémoire de forme et de température. Nous espérons que les résultats fondamentaux obtenus dans ce travail aideront au développement de diverses applications, notamment dans le domaine des textiles et matériaux de protection balistique.This thesis deals with the study of polymer/carbon nanotube composite fibers with original properties. They particularly exhibit a very high toughness, potentially useful for future ballistic applications. Indeed, their ability to absorb energy is the most important ever observed for a material. This property is linked with composite structure of the fibers, which is closer from the natural fibers one like spider silk, than from usual high performance synthetic fibers one. This manuscript presents studies about the influence of structural modifications on mechanical, electrical and thermo‐mechanical properties of the fibers, which highlighted new properties, such as shape and temperature memory effect. We hope that the fundamental results obtained in this work will help for the development of several and various applications, particularly in the field of textiles and protection materials

Structure et propriétés de fibres de nanotubes de carbone à haute énergie de rupture

This thesis deals with the study of polymer/carbon nanotube composite fibers with original properties. They particularly exhibit a very high toughness, potentially useful for future ballistic applications. Indeed, their ability to absorb energy is the most important ever observed for a material. This property is linked with composite structure of the fibers, which is closer from the natural fibers one like spider silk, than from usual high performance synthetic fibers one. This manuscript presents studies about the influence of structural modifications on mechanical, electrical and thermo‐mechanical properties of the fibers, which highlighted new properties, such as shape and temperature memory effect. We hope that the fundamental results obtained in this work will help for the development of several and various applications, particularly in the field of textiles and protection materials.Cette thèse rapporte l'étude de fibres composites nanotubes de carbone/polymère qui présentent des propriétés originales, dont notamment une très forte énergie de rupture potentiellement utile pour de futures applications balistiques. En effet, leur capacité d'absorption d'énergie est la plus importante jamais observée pour un matériau. Cette propriété est liée à la structure composite des fibres, qui est plus proche de celle des fibres naturelles comme la soie d'araignée, que de celle des fibres synthétiques hautes performances usuelles. La thèse présente des études de l'influence de modifications structurales sur les propriétés mécaniques, électriques et thermomécaniques des fibres, qui ont mis en évidence de nouvelles propriétés, comme des effets mémoire de forme et de température. Nous espérons que les résultats fondamentaux obtenus dans ce travail aideront au développement de diverses applications, notamment dans le domaine des textiles et matériaux de protection balistique

Thermo-electrical properties of PVA-nanotube composite fibers

We present in this work an experimental study of the resistivity of composite nanotube fibers made of polyvinyl alcohol and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. These fibers which exhibit exceptional mechanical properties could be used for new conductive and multifunctional textiles or composites. We report on their electrical properties and draw two main conclusions: (i) when the fibers contain a large fraction of amorphous polymer, a substantial decrease of the resistivity is observed in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the pure PVA. On the basis of X-ray diffraction characterizations, we believe that this behavior results from the relaxation of stress in the polymerenanotube composite. Slight structural modifications and partial loss of nanotube alignment at Tg could yield an increase of the density of intertube contacts and thereby to a decrease of the electrical resistivity. (ii) Annealing the fibers at high temperature reduces the fraction of amorphous PVA which becomes more crystalline. As a result, the conductivity becomes more stable and does not exhibit any abrupt variation at Tg. Instead the conductivity is non-metallic with an effective semi-conductor type behavior as observed in other nanotube composites or even in pure nanotube assemblies

Nanotube fibers for electromechanical and shape memory actuators

Carbon nanotubes are light, stiff and electroactive materials particularly promising in the field of actuating materials. Indeed, carbon nanotubes can expand and contract upon charge injection and be used for the development of electromechanical actuators. Carbon nanotubes can also be included in polymers to improve their properties and bring specific functionalities. When added to shape memory polymers, carbon nanotubes yield an improved stiffness and the possibility to heat the material through Joule's heating. Nevertheless, spatial ordering of the nanotubes is a critical issue in all these classes of actively moving materials. It is shown in this article that assembling nanotubes under the form of pure or composite fibers is an effective approach to orient carbon nanotubes on a large scale along a well defined direction. Nanotube alignment achieved via fiber drawing allows the optimization of properties of shape memory polymer fibers and electrochemical actuators. In particular, the mechanical response of pure nanotube fibers to electrical stimulations is investigated in liquid electrolytes. It is observed that the fibers can generate a stress one order of magnitude greater than that achieved with unaligned assemblies of nanotubes. We also present the properties of shape memory polymer fibers loaded with carbon nanotubes. These fibers generate a very large stress when they recover their shape after they have been stretched and cooled under tensile load. Composite nanotube polymer fibers also exhibit a temperature memory behavior, which is still raising fundamental questions regarding its microscopic origin