Actuator Materials for Environmentally Powered Engines

The first solid-state engine that converted heat into continuous mechanical motion using a thermally responsive actuating material was introduced almost century ago. These engines used vulcanized rubber where the cyclically heating and cooling of generate power in pendulum or wheel type engines. development has seen several waves activity with interest stimulated by introduction new materials capable responding to different environmental stimuli. Opportunities for improved outputs are afforded recently developed artificial muscle materials. A theoretical connection between output characteristics actuator is compare performances rubber, shape memory alloys (SMAs), twisted coiled polymer (TCP) fiber muscles. It shown an designed suit actuation performance TCPs powered tensile such would exceed SMA properties needed further enhance identified structures may produce described.