Design and application of nanoscale actuators using block-copolymers

Abstract

Block copolymers are versatile designer macromolecules where a “bottom-up” approach can be used to create tailored materials with unique properties. These simple building blocks allow us to create actuators that convert energy from a variety of sources (such as chemical, electrical and heat) into mechanical energy. In this review we will discuss the advantages and potential pitfalls of using block copolymers to create actuators, putting emphasis on the ways in which these materials can be synthesised and processed. Particular attention will be given to the theoretical background of microphase separation and how the phase diagram can be used during the design process of actuators. Different types of actuation will be discussed throughout.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym2040454
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
Additional Information: © 2010 by the authors; licensee Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
Uncontrolled Keywords: microphase separation,block copolymer,actuators,physical gels,non-covalent interactions,Chemistry(all),Polymers and Plastics
Publication ISSN: 2073-4360
Last Modified: 19 Feb 2024 08:07
Date Deposited: 24 Nov 2010 14:07
Full Text Link: http://www.mdpi ... 3-4360/2/4/454/
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2010-10
Authors: Swann, Joshua M.G.
Topham, Paul D. (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-4152-6976)

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Version: Accepted Version

License: Creative Commons Attribution


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