Hygroscopic biomimetic transducers made from CNT-hydrogel composites

M. De Volder, S. Tawfick, D. Copic, A. J. Hart

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Plants as well as other biological organisms achieve directed movements by fibres that constraint and direct the isotropic expansion of a matrix material. In order to mimic these actuators, complex arrangements of rigid fibres must be achieved, which is challenging, especially at small scales. In this paper, a new method to organize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into complex shapes is employed to create a framework for hydrogel infiltration. These CNT frameworks can be realized as iris, needle and bridge architectures, and after hydrogel infiltration, they show directed actuation in response to water uptake. Finally, we show how the latter can be employed as a novel hygroscopic sensor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2011 16th International Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, TRANSDUCERS'11
Pages1717-1720
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event2011 16th International Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, TRANSDUCERS'11 - Beijing, China
Duration: Jun 5 2011Jun 9 2011

Publication series

Name2011 16th International Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, TRANSDUCERS'11

Other

Other2011 16th International Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, TRANSDUCERS'11
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period6/5/116/9/11

Keywords

  • Biomimetic
  • CNT
  • Carbon Nanotube
  • Hydrogel
  • Microactuator
  • Microsensor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hygroscopic biomimetic transducers made from CNT-hydrogel composites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this