Novel carbon nanotube-polymer actuators and their characteristics

Carbon nanotube-polymer composite actuators are new class of active systems that can easily overcome drawbacks pf bucky papers. In such a composite, carbon nanotubes are use as an active material embedded together with an electrolyte in the polymer matrix. Such a combination of materials aloows operation of actuator at room conditions, without immersion in the electrolyte bath, what gives them the name "dry" actuators. Results of experimental investigations have shown the improvements achieved throughout the development process focusing on both displacement amplitude and the force generated by the actuator structure. Latest results of this characteristic features are showing the possibility of implementation of dry actuators in the micro-system products.