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Cited by 423Advanced Materials and MechanicsDielectric materials and actuatorsCarbon Nanotubes in Composites

Photomechanical actuation in polymer–nanotube composites

Ahir, Samit V., Terentjev, Eugene M.·2005·Nature Materials
DOI 10.1038/nmat1391
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Abstract

For some systems, energy from an external source can trigger changes in the internal state of the structure, leading to a mechanical response much larger than the initial input. The ability to unlock this internal work in a solid-state structure is of key importance for many potential applications. We report a novel phenomenon of photo-induced mechanical actuation observed in a polymer-nanotube composite when exposed to infrared radiation. At small strains the sample tends to expand, when stimulated by photons, by an amount that is orders of magnitude greater than the pristine polymer. Conversely, at larger applied pre-strain, it will contract under identical infrared excitation. The behaviour is modelled as a function of orientational ordering of nanotubes induced by the uniaxial extension. It is thought that no other materials can display this continuously reversible response of so large a magnitude, making rubber nanocomposites important for actuator applications.

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Crossref · 10.1038/nmat1391

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22 of 22 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Ahir and Vaia observed two-way SME on a multi-walled CNT/polydimethylsiloxane elastomer composite.

    “Ahir and Vaia [515,516] observed two-way SME on a multi-walled CNT/polydimethylsiloxane elastomer composite.”

    From A review of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymer composites (2013) · cites this paper as [515]

  • The expansion or contraction of the MWCNT/PDMS composite depends on the extent to which the composite is strained.

    “The expansion or contraction of the composite depends on the extent to which the composite is strained.”

    From A review of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymer composites (2013) · cites this paper as [515]

  • If the MWCNT/PDMS composite is subjected to a strain greater than 10%, it contracts under identical exposure to infrared light.

    “Conversely, if the material is subjected to a strain greater than 10%, it contracts under identical exposure to infrared light.”

    From A review of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymer composites (2013) · cites this paper as [515]

  • If the MWCNT/PDMS composite is slightly pulled, it expands when exposed to infrared light.

    “If the material is slightly pulled, it expands when it is exposed to infrared light.”

    From A review of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymer composites (2013) · cites this paper as [515]

  • If the MWCNT/PDMS composite is slightly pulled, it expands when exposed to infrared light; if subjected to strain greater than 10%, it contracts under identical exposure.

    “If the material is slightly pulled, it expands when it is exposed to infrared light.Conversely, if the material is subjected to a strain greater than 10%, it contracts under identical exposure to infrared light.”

    From A review of stimuli-responsive shape memory polymer composites (2013) · cites this paper as [515]

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Authors
Ahir, S. V., & Terentjev, E. M.
Affiliations
University of Cambridge (GB)
Corresponding author
Terentjev, Eugene M.
ORCID
Terentjev, Eugene M.
Venue
Nature Materials
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2005-05-08
Volume
4
Issue
6
Pages
491-495
ISSN
  • 1476-1122 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-4660
DOI
10.1038/nmat1391
OpenAlex
W1989154261
Cited by
423
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 32 · 2014: 40 · 2013: 33 · 2012: 35
FWCI
44.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Nature Materials (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Advanced Materials and Mechanics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Dielectric materials and actuators
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Carbon Nanotubes in Composites
Keywords
photomechanical actuation, carbon nanotube-polymer composites, carbon nanotubes, infrared radiation, nanotube orientation, orientational order, rubber nanocomposites, actuators
MeSH terms
Dimethylpolysiloxanes, Elasticity, Equipment Design, Infrared Rays, Manufactured Materials, Materials Testing, Movement, Photochemistry, Robotics, Silicones, Stress, Mechanical, Equipment Failure Analysis, Mechanics, Nanotechnology, Nanotubes, Carbon, Macromolecular Substances

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