Three-Layered Design of Electrothermal Actuators for Minimal Voltage Operation.

By designing an actuator composed of thin layers with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) together with an electrically conductive layer, the CTE mismatch can be utilized to produce soft electrothermal actuators (ETAs). These actuators have been typically implemented using only two layers, commonly relying on Timoshenko's analytic model that correlates the temperature to the actuator's curvature. In this study, we extend the analytic model to include the thermoelectric relation present in ETAs, that is, the conductive layer's properties with respect to the operation temperature.

Self-Assembled VO Mesh Film-Based Resistance Switches with High Transparency and Abrupt ON/OFF Ratio.

Vanadium dioxide, a well-known phase transition material with abrupt resistance change during its transition temperature, is herein used to fabricate the transparent mesh film onto a glass slide through self-assembly mesh printing. A record high ON/OFF ratio up to 10 is achieved together with high visible transmittance of 86% compared to the normal glass slide with visible transmittance at 88%. The high transparent properties make the resistive switches applicable for next-generation electronics, such as see-through computing device and beyond.

Pre-Programmed Tri-Layer Electro-Thermal Actuators Composed of Shape Memory Polymer and Carbon Nanotubes.

Due to their high deformability, lightness, and safe interaction with the surrounding environment, flexible actuators are key ingredients in soft robotics technologies. Among these, electro-thermal actuators (ETAs), based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are used to generate agile movements when current is applied. The extent of movement is determined mostly by the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the materials arranged in a bi-/tri-layer structure.

Novel Materials for 3D Printing by Photopolymerization.

The field of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), is developing rapidly in both academic and industrial research environments. New materials and printing technologies, which enable rapid and multimaterial printing, have given rise to new applications and utilizations. However, the main bottleneck for achieving many more applications is the lack of materials with new physical properties.