Mechanical and electrical properties of electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber for micro-actuator applications

Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) were prepared for use in fabricating actuator materials. Actuating displacement was measured in an electrochemical environment. The electrospun nanofibers were arranged using a drum-type collector, and morphology was invest...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced composite materials 2016-07, Vol.25 (4), p.305-316
Main Authors: Park, Joung-Man, Gu, Ga-Young, Wang, Zuo-Jia, Kwon, Dong-Jun, Shin, Pyeong-Su, Choi, Jin-Yeong, DeVries, K. Lawrence
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accumulators
actuator
Actuators
alignment
Carbon nanotubes
Collectors
Electrical properties
Electrospinning
interface
Nanostructure
Polyvinylidene fluorides
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Summary:Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) were prepared for use in fabricating actuator materials. Actuating displacement was measured in an electrochemical environment. The electrospun nanofibers were arranged using a drum-type collector, and morphology was investigated using a field emission-scanning electron microscope. The uniformity of dispersion of CNT in the PVDF nanofibers was monitored by electron probe X-ray micro-analysis. Tensile strength and electrical resistivity results were used as an indication of the state of alignment. The electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber sheets exhibited better mechanical and electrical properties in the arranged direction. The efficiency and electrical capacities of electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber sheet were compared with those of cast PVDF sheets for use in actuator applications in electrochemical environments. The electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber sheets exhibited much better actuator performance than PVDF sheets, which are attributed to their superior electrical properties. Highlights (1) The interfacial durability of CNT/PVDF nanofibers was enhanced to increase contact area by reinforcing CNT. (2) The efficiency of CNT/PVDF actuators was improved due to interfacial properties. (3) Thin thickness drum-type collector was made to enhance nanofiber alignment. (4) The arranged CNT/PVDF nanofibers exhibited better mechanical and actuating displacements.
ISSN:0924-3046
1568-5519
DOI:10.1080/09243046.2015.1082714