Cellulose membranes as moisture-driven actuators with predetermined deformations and high load uptake

Xiaofeng Jiang; Bingkun Tian; Xiaoyu Xuan; Wanqi Zhou; Jianxin Zhou; Yaqing Chen; Yang Lu; Zhuhua Zhang

doi:10.1080/19475411.2021.1906780

International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials (Apr 2021)

Cellulose membranes as moisture-driven actuators with predetermined deformations and high load uptake

Xiaofeng Jiang,
Bingkun Tian,
Xiaoyu Xuan,
Wanqi Zhou,
Jianxin Zhou,
Yaqing Chen,
Yang Lu,
Zhuhua Zhang

Affiliations

Xiaofeng Jiang: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Bingkun Tian: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Xiaoyu Xuan: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Wanqi Zhou: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Jianxin Zhou: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Yaqing Chen: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Yang Lu: City University of Hong Kong
Zhuhua Zhang: Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, and Institute of Nanoscience, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19475411.2021.1906780
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12, no. 2
pp. 146 – 156

Abstract

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We report the synthesis of cellulose membranes from balsa wood with an exceptionally high responsivity to humidity change by chemical processing and mechanical compression. By varying the ambient humidity, the produced cellulose membranes can provide a variety of predetermined deformations, such as curve, s-like deformation and curl. The high humidity responsivity is originated from a self-maintained moisture gradient induced by an asymmetrical design of membrane surfaces, aided by the hygroscopic swelling of the cellulose. The moisture-driven actuators are then demonstrated as a three-finger gripper that can grab, hold and release objects 40 times the weight of its own. The combination of natural wood and stimuli-responsive behavior open a way to designing smart structures, actuators and soft robots with environmentally friendly, recyclable and biocompatible materials.

Published in International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials

ISSN: 1947-5411 (Print); 1947-542X (Online)
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tsnm

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