Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Si Won Park, Sang Jun Kim, Seong Hyun Park, Juyeon Lee, Hyungjun Kim, Min Ku Kim
Summary: Electroactive polymer (EAP) reacts to electrical stimuli. Ionic EAP, such as IPMC, is composed of a metal electrode and a polymer membrane, with advantages such as low voltage requirements, large bending displacement, and bidirectional actuation. Manufacturing of IPMC involves preparing the polymer membrane and plating electrode. IPMC is widely used in various applications.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Liang Li, Xian Guo, Ye Liu, Dingguo Zhang, Wei-Hsin Liao
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) in dynamic modeling of a fish tail actuated by an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator. The study simplifies the tail fin into two forms: a pure flexible IPMC beam and a hybrid beam consisting of an IPMC beam and a fixed rigid beam. The study successfully describes the large deformation problem of the flexible beam and analyzes the dynamic responses and displacement changes under different driving parameters. The research findings provide valuable insights into the large swing motion mechanism of bionic robotic fish.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mohsen Annabestani, Pouria Esmaeili-Dokht, Sina Khazaee Nejad, Mehdi Fardmanesh
Summary: This paper introduces a Non-rigid Air Flow Active Sensor (NAFAS) that accurately detects breathing patterns and has the potential to develop low-cost, wearable spirometers. The NAFAS presents point-of-care testing (POCT) for respiratory function, addressing the time-consuming and expensive nature of pulmonary function tests for patients with respiratory diseases.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jai-Hua Lee, Pei-Song Chee, Eng-Hock Lim, Chun-Hui Tan
Summary: The study introduces a smart throat sensor based on IPMC material, which can non-invasively detect throat muscle movements and enhance output responses through coating with gold material. By training the sensor with a support vector machine algorithm, it can accurately recognize patterns of throat movements with a high accuracy rate.
Article
Thermodynamics
Li Zhao, Ni Guanhua, Wang Yan, Jiang Hehe, Wen Yongzan, Dou Haoran, Jing Mao
Summary: This study investigated the effect of isolated pores on gas seepage and coal deformation. The porosity and fractal characteristics of isolated pores were analyzed using computed tomography scanning, and a geometric model of coal was established. A seepage-stress semi-homogeneous coupling model was developed that considered the adsorption and desorption of gas. The results showed that the isolated pores had a more complex structure and influenced the deformation of the model.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jiang Liu, Biao Lei, Weitao Jiang, Jie Han, Hongjian Zhang, Hongzhong Liu
Summary: The study introduces liquid metal into the volumetric matrix of flexible substrates to construct a novel intrinsically strain sensor, capable of withstanding large deformations and avoiding conventional fracture failures. These stretchable sensors demonstrate the ability to measure up to 178% strain and exhibit excellent response speed, making them promising for applications in intelligent flexible electronics and artificial skins.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Yang, Dongsheng Zhang, Xining Zhang, Aifen Tian
Summary: This study investigated the preparation of IPMC with platinum and copper electrodes, analyzing their surface and cross-section morphology. Fractal dimensions were compared and analyzed using different methods, with the simulation of interface profiles based on the WM function model showing effectiveness in representing the characteristics of the IPMC interface profile. The findings suggest the significance of fractal theory in characterizing the IPMC interface profile, providing a new approach to understanding the intrinsic mechanism of IPMC from a fractal perspective.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jose Otavio Maciel-Neto, Gabriel de Freitas Fernandes, Gustavo Oliveira Cavalcanti, Ignacio Llamas-Garro, Jung-Mu Kim, Eduardo Fontana
Summary: This study examines the prospects of using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect in the Otto configuration for pressure and deformation sensing. The experimental results demonstrate significant modulation of SPR effect due to variable gas pressure, and characterize the gap profile under fixed stress.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Qian Yang, Qiao Hu, Zicai Zhu, Yu Liu, Sihu Li, Liuhao Shan
Summary: In this study, a technique for encapsulating IPMC sensors under the optimal water content is proposed for the first time, which significantly enhances the sensing performance after quantitative removal of water molecules. The method is simple, low-cost, and easy to implement, effectively improving the stability of IPMC sensors.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xin Zhao, Gangqiang Tang, Chun Zhao, Dong Mei, Yujun Ji, Chaoqun Xiang, Lijie Li, Bo Li, Yanjie Wang
Summary: Inspired by the mechanism of touch and pain in human skin, the researchers developed a bionic artificial receptor that can distinguish touch or pain perception through ion-electrical effect. They integrated two ion-sensing films and a PDMS layer and conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effects of the physical properties of the PDMS layer on the sensing ability. The results showed that the pressure threshold and sensing range can be regulated by changing the physical properties of the middle layer, which has potential applications in robotics and healthcare fields.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ali Kight, Ileana Pirozzi, Xinyi Liang, Doff B. McElhinney, Amy Kyungwon Han, Seraina A. Dual, Mark Cutkosky
Summary: This study presents a modular approach to develop strain sensors for large deformations. The method separates the extension and signal transduction mechanisms using a soft, elastomeric transmission and a high-sensitivity microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer. The durability and performance of the sensor were evaluated through cyclic loading tests and modeling, supporting its potential application in human health monitoring.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Abhisek De, Anirban Pal, Debarshi Ash, Kaushik Das, Kaustav Mondal, Pritam Dhar, Rajanya Chakraborty, Priyanka Rakshit, Srijan Bhattacharya, Bikash Bepari, Subhasis Bhaumik
Summary: IPMC, as a synthetic composite nanomaterial with artificial muscle behavior and sensing characteristics, can be used for studying taste sensors. Its ability to perceive five common tastes demonstrates its potential in distinguishing different tastes.
IEEE SENSORS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liang Yang, Dongsheng Zhang, Xining Zhang, Aifen Tian
Summary: In this study, a cheap copper electrode IPMC was prepared by chemical deposition and its surface and cross section morphology, roughness, and porosity were analyzed. The interface profile was simulated using the WM function and the adhesion force of the interface was calculated, showing the positive impact of the copper layer on the performance of IPMC.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiaqi Chang, Hongwei Huang, Dongming Zhang, Huiming Wu, Jingya Yan
Summary: This article presents a case study on the real-time monitoring of the deformation of a constructing shield tunnel in Shanghai using a wireless sensor network (WSN). The study reveals two deformation modes, rotation and ovalization, of the tunnel ring during construction, and analyzes the factors influencing these modes.
STRUCTURAL CONTROL & HEALTH MONITORING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
DongWoo Nam, Bummo Ahn
Summary: A flexible capacitance sensor was developed in this study to provide optimized sensor dimension information for gait analysis. The study confirmed the dimensions of the sensor with the highest gait analysis accuracy through performance comparisons and experimental tests on sensors of different dimensions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chun Zhao, Yanjie Wang, Gangqiang Tang, Jie Ru, Zicai Zhu, Bo Li, Chuan Fei Guo, Lijie Li, Denglin Zhu
Summary: This review comprehensively reviews the sensing mechanisms, compositions, structural design, and applications of ionic flexible sensors (IFS). With the development of novel ionic materials, structural designs, and biomimetic approaches, IFS can replicate the topological structures of human skin and achieve tactile perception functions similar to that of human skin. IFS have a wide range of applications in artificial skin, human-interactive technologies, wearable health monitors, and other related fields.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Qingsong He, Guoxiao Yin, David Vokoun, Qi Shen, Ji Lu, Xiaofang Liu, Xianrui Xu, Min Yu, Zhendong Dai
Summary: This paper presents recent developments in the research of IPMC artificial muscle, including improvement methods, modeling, and applications. The authors discuss various approaches to overcome the shortcomings of IPMCs, such as improving Nafion matrix membranes, selecting high-performing electrodes, and using new electro-active polymers. The paper also provides a review of IPMC models, offering theoretical guidance for studying the performance and applications of IPMCs. Successful applications discussed in the paper include bio-inspired robots, opto-mechatronic systems, and medical engineering.
JOURNAL OF BIONIC ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fuyin Ma, Chang Wang, Yang Du, Zicai Zhu, Jiu Hui Wu
Summary: This paper proposed a metamaterial design method that uses soft matter to improve broadband sound absorption performance. By attaching a flexible PVC gel layer to a cavity-type sound-absorbing metamaterial structure, it significantly enhanced the absorption performance and achieved resonance absorption effect.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Lei Liu, Junshi Zhang, Geng Liu, Zicai Zhu, Qiao Hu, Pengfei Li
Summary: In this article, we designed and fabricated a three-fingered stiffness-tunable soft gripper with internal bending actuators and external fiber-jamming jackets to achieve flexible grasping performance. Experimental measurements of the bending angle and blocking force were compared with theoretical predictions. By incorporating stiffness-tunable property, the soft gripper's load-carrying capability and grasping performance of various weights and types of goods were investigated.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhen-Hua Tang, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yu-Qin Mao, Zi-Cai Zhu, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a mechanically robust and multiresponsive MXene-based actuator with a simple configuration, high mechanical strength, and low-power consumption was developed for soft robotics. The actuator utilizes the hygroexpansion of bacterial cellulose and the thermal expansion of biaxially oriented polypropylene to achieve high actuation performance. Unlike conventional single-mechanism actuators, this actuator provides a favorable architecture for dual-mechanism synergism, resulting in exceptionally reversible actuation performance. Furthermore, the actuator displays excellent long-distance photoresponsive property.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Peng Fan, Zicai Zhu, Tongqing Lu
Summary: This paper investigates the energy harvesting capacity and failure modes of dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) in a position-controlled cycle. The results show that the position-controlled cycle can enhance the energy harvesting capacity of DEGs compared to the force-controlled cycle.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chenyuan Dong, Zicai Zhu, Zhaofeng Li, Xun Shi, Suijun Cheng, Peng Fan
Summary: This paper proposes a novel robot fishtail and investigates its mechanical properties and frequency response characteristics. The experimental results demonstrate that the fishtail has good motion performance and propulsion, providing guidance for the design of bionic robot fish.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Manting Rao, Fei Tang, Yan Li, Longfei Chang, Zicai Zhu, Alvo Aabloo
Summary: This paper comprehensively reveals the influences of the interface in Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC), finding that enlarging the interface area does not necessarily lead to better deformation. In addition, a corresponding fabrication process is established, demonstrating the high electro-active performance of IPMC.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Zhang Hao, He Qing-song, Tian Cheng-bo, Wu Yu-wei, Zhao Ze-fang, Yu Min
Summary: Inspired by the microstructure of gecko's toe, this study successfully manufactured a bio-inspired adhesive with variable modulus. Compared with the adhesive with fixed modulus, the adhesive with variable modulus showed a 2-5 times increase in adhesion on rough surfaces, while maintaining high aspect ratio and flexible tips of surface micropillars.
JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Chang Wang, Rui Li, Zicai Zhu, Jiu Hui Wu, Fuyin Ma
Summary: This study introduces an electrically driven laminated active acoustic metamaterial with PVC plasticization, which achieves excellent sound-damping performance and improved sound insulation performance under the action of an electric field. This structure provides a new way of adjustable sound insulation and has potential applications in heavy equipment such as automobiles.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Zirui Cai, Yiming Li, Peng Fan, Qiao Hu, Zicai Zhu
Summary: This research proposes an ionic polymer-based pressure sensor with a gradient porous sensing structure, which is easy to construct and has high sensitivity in the charge-sensing mode.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Honghong Gong, Ying Zhang, Yipin Cheng, Qinglong Ji, Mengdi Sun, Shaobo Tan, Zicai Zhu, Zhicheng Zhang
Summary: Actuators based on smart materials can produce mechanical deformation in response to external stimulation, and are widely used in bionic robots, wearable devices, and biomedical devices. Most current actuators can only generate a single deformation function, but it is expected that through the integration of visualization technology, the actuators will have broader application prospects. Recent studies have shown that the integration of deformation and visualization technology can greatly contribute to the further development of deformation technology. However, there is a relative lack of systematic review on the integration of deformation and visualization technology in current literature on smart actuators.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingsong He, Zefang Zhao, Hao Zhang, Jinjun Duan, Ning Zhang, Kunkun Cui, Qiyun Zhong, Changli Yang
Summary: Projection microstereolithography 3D printing method is used to prepare low-cost and time-saving bioinspired dry adhesive with various structures. The mushroom-shaped adhesive shows excellent adhesion property and good self-cleaning ability, making it applicable for various surface grasping and transferring.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qingsong He, Qiyun Zhong, Zheng Sun, Haoran Zhang, Zijie Zhao, Ziyan Shi, Xiaofang Liu, Zefang Zhao, Ji Lu, Yuze Ye, Yefu Wang, Yong Li, Tengfei Xiang, Jin Zhao, Yannan Xie
Summary: A flexible sensing material was developed using a physical blending method, showing high elasticity, good stability, and high repeatability. The developed PVC organic-ionogel exhibited excellent physicochemical stability and maintained its shape, dimensions, and sensing performance over an extended period of time. It was capable of detecting a range of human movements with high accuracy and sensitivity, making it suitable for wearable devices, sports-related risk monitoring, and optimizing boxing actions.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Guo-xiao Yin, Qing-song He, Min Yu, Yu-wei Wu, Xian-rui Xu
Summary: By incorporating graphene quantum dots (GQDs), the driving performance of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) can be significantly improved, with increased elasticity and water content. Among them, IPMC with 1.0 wt.% GQDs exhibits the best driving property.
JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY
(2022)
