Humidity-responsive fiber actuators based on cellulose nanofibrils

• Fiber actuators, particularly valuable in soft robotics and environmental sensing, are at the forefront of smart materials and materials innovation. Torsional and tensile biofiber actuators, notable for their cost-effectiveness and biodegradability, mark a critical gap in the development of next-generation functional materials and devices. To address this gap, this study showcases moisture-responsive actuators made from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). It introduces a pioneering torsional actuator, leveraging the hydrophilic nature of CNFs filaments produced through wet-spinning processes. These robust filaments exhibit a mechanical strength of 237.0 MPa, and are twisted to form the high-performance torsional actuator. This torsional actuator demonstrates rapid rotations, achieving up to 1180 revolutions per minute (rpm) within merely 10 seconds of moisture exposure and being durable across multiple cycles. The research here further explores critical factors such as filament morphology and twist density, which significantly impact the performance of this torsional actuator. Additionally, a sheath-run tensile actuator is unveiled, ingeniously combining a moisture-sensitive CNFs layer with a supercoiled nylon core to enhance structural support. 

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

fiber actuator

tensile actuator

tensile actuator

Wet spinning

cellulose nanofibrils

materialkemi

Materials Chemistry

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