Strain-programmable fiber-based artificial muscle

Getting the most out of muscles Materials that convert electrical, chemical, or thermal energy into a shape change can be used to form artificial muscles. Such materials include bimetallic strips or host-guest materials or coiled fibers or yarns (see the Perspective by Tawfick and Tang). Kanik et al. developed a polymer bimorph structure from an elastomer and a semicrystalline polymer where the difference in thermal expansion enabled thermally actuated artificial muscles. Iterative cold stretching of clad fibers could be used to tailor the dimensions and mechanical response, making it simple to produce hundreds of meters of coiled fibers. Mu et al. describe carbon nanotube yarns in which the volume-changing…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: DMR-1419807, EEC-1028725
• SF
  Simons Foundation
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Award: 5R01NS086804