Sonication time effect on MWNT/PANI-EB composite for hybrid electro-active paper actuator

This paper investigates the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and emeraldine formed polyaniline (PANI-EB) composite coating on electro-active paper (EAPap) actuator. EAPap is made with a cellulose paper by coating thin electrodes on both sides of the paper. When an electric field is applied across the electrodes the paper generates a bending displacement. This EAPap material has merits in terms of lightweight, low actuation voltage, low power consumption, dryness, biodegradability and low price. However, the force output and the actuation frequency band are low. Thus, the MWNT with PANI-EB composite is coated on EAPap material to improve its performance as an actuator. This is termed as a hybrid EAPap actuator. The fabrication process of the composite and the actuator performance are explained. In the fabrication process of the composite, the weight percents of MWNT and PANI-EB, and the sonication time have significant effect on the characteristics of the composite as well as the performance of the hybrid EAPap actuator. The weight percents of MWNT and PANI-EB were chosen by considering the electrical property as well as the process capability of the composite. The composites are made with different sonication times, from 2 h to 5 h, and their characteristics are analyzed using FT-IR, TGA, SEM and electrical conductivity measurement. The structural enhancement and electrical conductivity change associated with the sonication time are explained based upon the strong bonding and ionic interaction of MWNT and PANI-EB constituents. Based on the analysis results of the composite, the actuation performance of the hybrid EAPap actuator is evaluated in terms of bending displacement, blocking force, electrical power consumption and efficiency along with sonication time.