Fast Relaxation of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer Composite Actuators

S. V. Ahir and E. M. Terentjev
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 133902 – Published 6 April 2006

Abstract

Silicone elastomer composites containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been irradiated with near-infrared light to study their mechanical actuation response. We show that the speed of the stimulated response is faster than Debye relaxation, instead following a compressed-exponential law. However, the relaxation after switching off the light source follows the simple-exponential relaxation, as does the stimulated response at very low nanotube concentration. We discuss possible models and explanations to account for the fast photomechanical response.

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  • Received 9 January 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.133902

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

S. V. Ahir and E. M. Terentjev

  • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 OHE, United Kingdom

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Vol. 96, Iss. 13 — 7 April 2006

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