Cellulose membranes as moisture-driven actuators with predetermined deformations and high load uptake

International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials

Yang Lu¹  Jianxin Zhou²  Xiaofeng Jiang²  Wanqi Zhou²  Zhuhua Zhang²  Bingkun Tian²  Xiaoyu Xuan²  Yaqing Chen² 

[1] City University of Hong Kong;Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics;

关键词: cellulose membrane;    actuator;    wood;    relative humidity;    energy conversion;   

DOI  :  10.1080/19475411.2021.1906780

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

We report the synthesis of cellulose membranes from balsa wood with an exceptionally high responsivity to humidity change by chemical processing and mechanical compression. By varying the ambient humidity, the produced cellulose membranes can provide a variety of predetermined deformations, such as curve, s-like deformation and curl. The high humidity responsivity is originated from a self-maintained moisture gradient induced by an asymmetrical design of membrane surfaces, aided by the hygroscopic swelling of the cellulose. The moisture-driven actuators are then demonstrated as a three-finger gripper that can grab, hold and release objects 40 times the weight of its own. The combination of natural wood and stimuli-responsive behavior open a way to designing smart structures, actuators and soft robots with environmentally friendly, recyclable and biocompatible materials.

【 授权许可】

Unknown