Chemomechanical Systems: Study of Contraction and Mechanical Work of Poly(Acrylonitrile) Gel Fibers

Vasiliu‐Oprea, Cleopatra; Marcu, Ioan–Cezar; Ciovica, S.; Dan, Florin

doi:10.1080/03602559909351603

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The structure (such as degree of cross-linking and cyclization) and properties (such as mechanical strength and modulus of elasticity) of PAN gel fibers are determined primarily by the annealing process. , There is still uncertainty about the structure, but some aspects of the structure are clear, such as type of bond formation. Structural analysis has determined that CN and CC bonds are present in annealed PAN, likely the products of cyclization and dehydrogenation reactions. − In general, annealed PAN likely consists of cyclic structures and cross-links, but details are in dispute. − Several researchers suggest a structure including aromatic nitrogen rings with intermolecular nitrile cross-links, ,, where the degree of cyclization and cross-linking is a function of annealing time and temperature. , The uncertainty may stem from variations in degree of cyclization and cross-linking based on differences in annealing time and temperature among researchers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Electrical Activation of Artificial Muscles Containing Polyacrylonitrile Gel Fibers

et al. 2000

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Gel fibers made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) are known to elongate and contract when immersed in caustic and acidic solutions, respectively. The amount of contraction for these pH-activated fibers is 50% or greater, and the strength of these fibers is shown to be comparable to that of human muscle. Despite these attributes, the need of strong acids and bases for actuation has limited the use of PAN gel fibers as linear actuators or artificial muscles. Increasing the conductivity by depositing platinum on the fibers or combining the fibers with graphite fibers has allowed for electrical activation of artificial muscles containing gel fibers when placed in an electrochemical cell. The electrolysis of water in such a cell produces hydrogen ions at an artificial muscle anode, thus locally decreasing the pH and causing the muscle to contract. Reversing the electric field allows the PAN muscle to elongate. A greater than 40% contraction in artificial muscle length in less than 10 min is observed when it is placed as an electrode in a 10 mM NaCl electrolyte solution and connected to a 10 V power supply. These results indicate potential in developing electrically activated PAN muscles and linear actuators, which would be much more applicable than chemically activated muscles.

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