A bending electro-active paper actuator made by mixing multi-walled carbon nanotubes and cellulose

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-mixed cellulose electro-active paper (EAPap) was fabricated and its bending actuation performance and characteristics were tested. Cellulose fibers were dissolved using DMAc solvent and MWNT were mixed by using sonication. The very fine surface of DMAc cellulose film was fabricated using an in situ pressurized hydrolysis process. By mixing a small amount (0.1 wt%) of MWNT in the DMAc cellulose, enhancement of the MWNT-mixed cellulose EAPap actuator was demonstrated in terms of Young's modulus, resonance frequency and mechanical power output. The actuation principle of the actuator is also discussed.