Microstructure and twisting ability of an adjusted antisymmetric angle ply laminate

This letter describes an adjusted antisymmetric angle ply laminate that is able to twist as a result of temperature-dependent deformation. A theoretical explanation for this twisting ability is presented and the adjusted architecture of the proposed laminate is described. The effects of fiber and matrix volume fractions, laminate angle, total laminate thickness, and temperature range on the torsion of the laminate are analyzed. A sample of the proposed microlaminate is produced by a microfabrication process and tested as the temperature is increased from room temperature to 80 degrees C. Microscopy images reveal that the microlaminate twists by more than 180 degrees within a length of 200 mu m. The proposed material and its twisting ability show great potential for application in microrobotic actuators.