Optimization of Bilayer Actuator Based on Carbon Black/Polymer Composites

Abstract

In the last few years, actuators based on polymer composite have been created for incredible potential applications in the zone of artificial muscle, micro-robots, relays, and energy harvesting. Polymer composites show the more massive deflection or bending due to the electrothermal and photothermal efforts. Subsequently, these have excellent orientation on the effect because of material properties and structure. In this study, theoretical modeling is employed to understand and analyze the actuator performance by incorporating carbon black (CB) into the polymer material. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) acts as a polymer matrix with bilayer geometry. The displacement of bilayer polymer composite is identified by the length and thickness of two layers, the distinction of coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between bilayer and temperature change are inspected. Theoretical outcome demonstrates that the displacement is enormously affected by the thickness proportion of bilayer actuator. In this manner, it is optimized by upgrading thickness proportion and distinct parameters of the bilayer actuator. Thus, this investigation will give a hypothetical reference to the realistic design and realization of the CB/PDMS composite based on a thermal input. � Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.