Controlled fabrication and system integration of CNT-based ionic actuators - example: Liquid handling for biomedical applications

CNT-based ionic EAPs present a unique and promising actuator material for a variety of potential applications, because they offer a safe way of transforming low-voltage electrical energy into mechanical work. However, due to rather complex manufacturing techniques and low electromechanical efficiencies only very few applications for CNT actuators have been in the focus of R&D activities. Multiple variations of materials, dispersing methods and assembly processes have been adopted throughout the years with the aim to optimize not only performance (stress, strain and reaction rate), but also reproducibility of actuators. Current state of the art production methods are still in the domain of lab scale. The growing interest from multiple industry sectors has now created the need for the scientific community to come together and develop new or adapt existing manufacturing routes capable of mass production for the expected demand of the future. A focus on biomedical applications, fabrication control and system integration of the actuators to enable increased reproducible performance will be the aim of this work. We explore topics from additive manufacturing technology enabling ease of system integration to the influence of electronic contacts on the reproducibility of actuator performance.