Ultrathin-shell PVDF/CNT nanocomposite aligned hollow fibers as a sensor/actuator single element

To facilitate a single element with the promoted dual sensing and actuation functionality, compared to the conventional individual sensors and actuators, different kinds of piezoelectric structures should be evaluated. Here, finite element method (FEM) simulations together with some aspects of the nanotechnology afforded an opportunity to simplify structure tailoring of the high performance sensor/actuator single element. First, we prepared ultrathin-shell poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) aligned hollow nanofibers. This geometrically confined nanostructure with low dielectric constant of similar to 3.6, efficiently increased strain, yielded to enlarge the piezoelectric voltage by similar to 250%, bending actuation by similar to 38%, and the beta-phase content by similar to 18% when compared to the random solid nanofibers. Second, similar to 108% increase in sensitivity from 450 mV/N to 940 mV/N and similar to 21% increase in piezoelectric actuation from 14.8 mu m to 18 mu m obtained by addition of 0.05 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to PVDF aligned hollow nanofibers. Taking advantage of this hollow nanocomposite structure, similar to 45% improvement in crystallinity, similar to 263% enhancement in elastic modulus and complete removal of the nonpolar alpha-phase were occurred. The sensor/actuator single element would guarantee the adaptability, interconnectedness, and autonomy of the next generation robots, allow the size, weight, and cost of the system to be re-evaluated.