Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) / Gallium Composite Films Prepared by Melt-Crystallization Based Methods
발표자
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초록
내용
The hydrogel's flexible and sensitive properties to external stimuli can be applied to biocompatible actuators or soft robotics. Accordingly, a lot of basic research has been actively conducted. However, the hydrogel itself cannot exhibit bending behavior and is difficult to control motion. In this study, a novel actuator is made using a temperature sensitive hydrogel, poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) and a liqiud metal, gallium (Ga). Both of these substances are characterized by temperature sensitivity. PNIPAm has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) (32 ℃) and Ga has a low melting point (29.76 ℃). Gallium has high thermal conductivity, and volume change occurs through phase change. It is therefore designed to be more sensitive to temperature changes. This film is suitable for temperature sensitive actuators as well as for quick reactions and fine movements such as artificial muscles, powerless pumps, and drug delivery.