Microfabricated electroactive carbon nanotube actuators

Arti Ahluwalia; Ray H. Baughman; Danilo De Rossi; Alberto Mazzoldi; Mario Tesconi; Alessandro Tognetti; Giovanni Vozzi

doi:10.1117/12.432647

16 July 2001 Microfabricated electroactive carbon nanotube actuators

Arti Ahluwalia, Ray H. Baughman, Danilo De Rossi, Alberto Mazzoldi, Mario Tesconi, Alessandro Tognetti, Giovanni Vozzi

Proceedings Volume 4329, Smart Structures and Materials 2001: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.432647
Event: SPIE's 8th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2001, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

A variety of microfabrication techniques have been developed at the University of Pisa. They are based either on pressure or piston actuated microsyringes or modified ink-jet printers. This work present the results of a study aimed at fabricating carbon nanotube (NT) actuators using micro-syringes. In order to prevent the nanotubes from aggregating into clumps, they were enclosed in a partially cross-linked polyvinylalcohol - polyallylamine matrix. After sonication the solution remained homogenously dispersed for about 40 minutes, which was sufficient time for deposition. Small strips of NT, about 5 mm across and 15 mm long were deposited. Following deposition, the films were baked at 80 degree(s)C and their thickness, impedance and mechanical resistance measured. The results indicate that 50 minutes of baking time is sufficient to give a constant resistivity of 1.12 x 10^-2 (Omega) m per layer similar to a typical semiconductor, and each layer has a thickness of about 6 micrometers .

Citation Download Citation

Arti Ahluwalia, Ray H. Baughman, Danilo De Rossi, Alberto Mazzoldi, Mario Tesconi, Alessandro Tognetti, and Giovanni Vozzi "Microfabricated electroactive carbon nanotube actuators", Proc. SPIE 4329, Smart Structures and Materials 2001: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices, (16 July 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.432647

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