Graphene-reinforced chitosan/PDMS morphing composites

Shida Lyu, Julio Adrian Aguilar-Tadeo, Fei Zheng, Brian Derby, Constantinos Soutis, Matthieu Gresil, Jonny J. Blaker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperOther

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Synthetic morphing composites can change their shape actively in response to triggers and have great potential for applications as sensors, soft actuators, in robotics and biomedicine. In this study, graphene-reinforced chitosan/polydimethylsiloxane bi-layered morphing composites are developed, leveraging their differential coefficient of thermal expansion to enable different volume changes within each layer. UV photo-polymerisation/crosslinking serves to improve the bi-layer interface and prevent delamination during morphing. It is possible to design accurate patterned bi-layered structures with the aid of mask-less dynamic light photolithography (DLP). Upon activation by thermal triggers, the bi-layered composite achieves rapid, reversible and multi-repeatable morphing. A finite element model is developed to simulate the deflection of the sample due to anisotropic thermal expansion of the bi-layer. The model can predict the deflection of the bi-layered composite with a relative error of 3.3 % in comparison to experimental results.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication21st International Conference on Composite Materials, ICCM 2017
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on Composite Materials 2017 - Xi'an, China
Duration: 20 Aug 201725 Aug 2017
Conference number: 21st
https://www.iccm-central.org/Proceedings/ICCM21proceedings/ (Proceedings)

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Composite Materials 2017
Abbreviated titleICCM 2017
Country/TerritoryChina
CityXi'an
Period20/08/1725/08/17
Internet address

Keywords

  • Finite element analysis
  • Graphene
  • Morphing composite
  • Thermal trigger

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