@inproceedings{493f00da88c4430d907518be63c3ca31,
title = "Potential of thermally expandable polymers with embedded skeletons for actuator applications",
abstract = "This paper presents an overview of a new type of thermal micro-actuators using thermally expandable polymers with embedded skeletons. Embedding a stiff skeleton enhances the actuation capability of the thermally expandable polymer. Consequently, the skeleton-reinforced polymers feature a large maximum actuation stress (often above 100 MPa) and a moderate maximum strain (often above 1%) besides a faster thermal response. In addition, the present composite design has room for performance improvement by tuning the volume fraction of the polymeric expander or selecting a proper expander material. Furthermore, the micro-actuators can be taylored for different motion characteristics, using various skeleton shapes. Finally, we discussed the possible applications using the present actuators.",
keywords = "Artificial muscles, Design optimization, Material selection, Thermal micro-actuators, Thermally expandable polymer",
author = "Lau, {Gih Keong} and Goosen, {Johannes F.L.} and Duc, {Trinh Chu} and {Van Keulen}, Fred",
year = "2008",
month = jun,
day = "2",
doi = "10.1117/12.776238",
language = "English",
isbn = "9780819471130",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
booktitle = "Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008",
note = "Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008 ; Conference date: 10-03-2008 Through 13-03-2008",
}