Multiwalled carbon nanotubes mixed with EAPap material for smart materials

Abstract

This paper presents a new Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) made by mixing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with cellulose solution. EAPap material is attractive as smart materials due to its merits in terms of lightweight, dry condition, large displacement output, low actuation voltage, low power consumption and biodegradability. However, there are some challenges in EAPap material in improving and frequency band. For the sake of this, MWNT is mixed in the cellulose solution. This approach will enhance not only the mechanical property but also the electrical property of EAPap material. Cellulose solution is made with non-aqueous solvent, DMAc/LiCl, and MWNT are mixed by stirring and sonicating. The mixed solutions are cast into a sheet form by means of spin coating. Physical and electrical characteristics of these samples are examined via X-Ray Diffractogram, SEM. The performance of these EAPap materials is tested in terms of tip displacement, blocking force, electrical power consumption with frequency and humidity. An optimal weight ratio of MWNT is investigated to satisfy the goal of materials. From the characterization and performance evaluation results, the actuation mechanism of the new EAPap material is addressed.