Low Voltage and Low Temperature Soft Electrothermal Actuator Based on PE/Graphite Bilayer Film

Abstract

Abstract Soft electrothermal actuators are widely used in soft robots, smart switches, medical devices, artificial muscles, and human–machine interactions. Generally, they operate at room temperature but also meet the safety standards for maximum safe voltage for a human body. Therefore, an actuator with a lower voltage and lower temperature is the first choice, as long as the performance is not affected. In this study, a bilayer film based on polythene (PE)/graphite is used to realize an electrothermal drive. The method is simple, inexpensive, and convenient for mass production. At a low driving voltage of between 1.5 and 2 V, and at a temperature of 40–52 °C, a maximum bending angle of 139.22°–470°. Through the demonstration of a micromechanical gripper and transportation illustrated by drug crawling, it is proven that the PE/graphite composite membrane can be widely applied in the field of soft actuators.