NER: Manipulation of Aggregate Organization in Ionic Polymers to Elucidate and Enhance Morphology-Actuation Relationships in Nanostructured Electroactive Polymer Systems

NER：操纵离子聚合物中的聚集组织以阐明和增强纳米结构电活性聚合物系统中的形态-驱动关系

• 批准号: 0707364
• 负责人: Robert Moore
• 金额: $ 11.5万
• 依托单位: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2007
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2007-08-01 至 2008-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0707364&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: NER; Manipulation; Aggregate; Organization; Ionic

This project involves nanostructured, ionic polymer metal composites that are capable of mechanical motion with application of a weak electric field. Like actual muscle tissue, these synthetic materials move in response to an electrical stimulus, and thus mimic nature as artificial muscles. The actuation behavior of these unique nanocomposites originates from the formation of electrically-conducting metal nanoparticles near the outer layers of the ionic polymer (electrode layers) that stimulate ion/solvent migration through nanostructured, ion-transporting domains. In this project, the nanoscale organization of ionic domains in the polymer membrane will be altered to create anisotropic actuation behavior in a manner similar to the form and function of the fiber-like structure of actual muscle tissue. By controlling the nano-scale structure of these artificial muscles, new fundamental information regarding the morphology-actuation property relationships will be developed in order to discover the precise actuation mechanism in these active nanostructures. Through a bio-inspired approach, this project eloquently demonstrates the profound importance of understanding nano-science and technology in the ability to create synthetic materials that are capable of mimicking Mother Nature in form and function. Since many applications are envisioned for these artificial muscles (from bio-mechanical implants to energy conversion devices), this research effort will provide the critical information needed to tailor nanostructure for specific macroscopic characteristics. As artificial muscle research has an intrinsically broad appeal to a wide audience, the research results will serve as an ideal vehicle to develop outreach and educational materials for K-12 students, undergraduates, and graduates.

该项目涉及纳米结构的离子聚合物金属复合材料，这些复合材料能够通过弱电场进行机械运动。 像实际的肌肉组织一样，这些合成材料会响应电刺激而移动，从而模仿人造肌肉。 这些独特的纳米复合材料的致动行为源于离子聚合物（电极层）附近的电导电金属纳米颗粒的形成，这些纳米颗粒（电极层）刺激了通过纳米结构的离子输送域刺激离子/溶剂迁移。 在该项目中，将改变聚合物膜中离子结构域的纳米级组织，以类似于实际肌肉组织的纤维样结构的形式和功能，以产生各向异性驱动行为。 通过控制这些人造肌肉的纳米级结构，将开发有关形态 - 局部特性关系的新基本信息，以发现这些活性纳米结构中的精确致动机制。通过以生物为灵感的方法，该项目雄辩地证明了理解纳米科学和技术在创建能够模仿形式和功能的母亲的合成材料方面的重要性。 由于这些人造肌肉（从生物力学植入物到能量转化设备）设想了许多应用，因此该研究工作将为特定的宏观特征量身定制纳米结构所需的关键信息。 由于人工肌肉研究对广大受众具有本质上的吸引力，因此研究结果将成为为K-12学生，本科生和毕业生开发外展和教育材料的理想工具。