FREE-STANDING ARTIFICIAL MUSCLES CONTAINING POLYMERIC ACTUATORS

    公开(公告)号:US20220297288A1

    公开(公告)日:2022-09-22

    申请号:US17655014

    申请日:2022-03-16

    IPC分类号: B25J9/10 F03G7/06

    摘要: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to free-standing artificial muscles having a polymeric core encased by an elastic spring. The polymeric core can be any two-way shape memory polymer including, but not limited to, a semicrystalline polymer (polybutadiene polymer, a polycaprolactone polymer, a poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)), a rubber, an ionomer, an elastomer, or a gel. In some aspects, the shape memory polymers are crosslinked. In an alternative aspect, the polymeric core is a twisted and coiled polymeric fiber. In other aspects, the polymeric core is reprocessable, remoldable, and/or recyclable. In one aspect, the elastic spring is metallic, ceramic, plastic, or any combination thereof. The stiffnesses or spring rate of the elastic spring and polymeric core, the two-way shape memory effect of the polymeric core, and their geometrical dimensions can be optimized to maximize the actuation strain based on theoretical principles described herein. Also disclosed are devices incorporating the free-standing artificial muscles.