Electromechanical actuation of CNT/PVDF composite films based on a bridge configuration

Gu Xiaogang^{1, 2, 3}, Xia Xiaogang^{1, 2, 3}, Zhang Nan^{1, 3}, Xiao Zhuojian^{1, 2, 3}, Fan Qingxia^{1, 3}, Yang Feng^{1, 2, 3}, Xiao Shiqia^{1, 2, 3}, Chen Huiliang^{1, 2, 3}, Zhou Weiya^{1, 2, 3, †}, Xie Sishen^{1, 2, 3, ‡}

(color online) (a), (b) Time evolution of the actuation displacement. The actuation is driven by a triangle wave voltage of 0–1.4 V and 5 Hz for 20 cycles. In panel (a), the heat dissipation of the sample is in natural conditions. While in panel (b), an electrical fan is intentionally exploited to assist the heat dissipation. (c) Displacement and temperature change driven by a triangle voltage of 0–0.8 V and 0.1 Hz. (d) Thermal image of the sample in panel (c) at the (left) minimum and (right) maximum temperature and deformation.