The objective of this study (Part II) paper is to develop a dry actuator for wider application than the wet actuator. To form a dry actuator, a carbon nanofiber (CNF) actuator is based on a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). The SPE film is prepared from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), an ion-exchange material, a plasticizer, and a solvent by the solution casting method. Ion conductivity studies were carried out to characterize the electrochemical properties of the SPE. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was performed to understand the electrochemical cell of the dry actuator. The actuator was tested in a dry environment at various voltages and frequencies and the tip displacement was measured using a laser displacement sensor. Compared to previous single wall carbon nanotube buckypaper actuators, the dry-based CNF actuator requires a little higher voltage to actuate, but it is two orders of magnitude lower in cost. Compared to the liquid-based actuator, the solid electrolyte-based actuator is slower and the displacements are smaller. These results have verified the principle of the CNF dry actuator. Further development of this new smart material could lead to practical smart structures applications in which the CNF hybrid material could be used as a muscle layer on structures, or as the structural material itself.
This two-part article describes a carbon nanofiber-polymethylmethacrylate (CNF-PMMA) composite material that has electrochemical actuation properties. Part I of the study considers use of a liquid electrolyte while Part II considers a solid electrolyte. Concerning Part I, a combination of solvent casting and melt mixing were used to disperse CNF in PMMA, and thin films of the material were cast. A liquid-based electrochemical actuator was formed by placing the CNF composite film in an electrolyte solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was carried out to characterize the electrochemical properties of the PMMA-CNF actuator. The actuator was tested at voltages up to 15 V and the relationship between displacement and applied voltage was determined. Compared to previous single-wall carbon nanotube buckypaper actuators, the CNF-PMMA composite actuator is stronger and is two orders of magnitude lower in cost, but needs higher voltage to actuate. Because of the low cost of the CNF hybrid material, and the possibility for using stronger host materials, new smart structural materials that enable large components and structures to actuate may become feasible.
Nanotoxicology refers to the study of the interactions of nanostructures with biological systems with an emphasis on elucidating the relationship between the physical and chemical properties of nanostructures with induction of toxic biological responses. Nanotoxicology is aimed at providing information on the potential toxicological effects, risk assessment and safety evaluation of nanostructured materials on human health. Nanoparticles present possible dangers, both medically and environmentally. They are also able to pass through cell membranes in organisms and their interactions with biological systems are relatively unknown. Animal studies have shown that nanoparticles can penetrate cells and tissues, move through the body and brain and cause biochemical damage. The greater chemical reactivity of nanomaterials result in increased production of reactive oxygen species which may contribute to similar patterns of cell injury and alterations at the molecular level by initiation, propagation and autocatalytic chain reactions. Intracellular signaling activation and inactivation of enzymes, stimulation, secretion and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and nuclear factor activation and alteration are also common events.
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