Actuation Performance of Conducting Shape Memory Polyurethane Actuators

摘要

This paper presents the actuation performance of a conducting shape memory polyurethane (CSMPU) actuator. We introduced a concept of shape memory polyurethane activated by electric power in 2004, while conventional shape memory polyurethanes are activated by external heat source. A conducting shape memory polyurethane actuator was manufactured by adding carbon nano-tube to conventional shape memory polyurethane. The main problem of the previous CSMPU was bad dispersion of carbon nano-tubes in polyurethane. In this paper, we have tried to find manufacturing method to solve the dispersion problem. With a lot of elaborative works, we have developed conducting shape memory polyurethane actuator with good electrical performance. The actuation performance of the developed conducting shape memory polyurethane actuator was measured and assessed.