Enhanced Thermal Actuation in Thin Polymer Films Through Particle Nano-Squeezing by Carbon Nanotube Belts

Nanoscale belts made from carbon nanotubes encircle colloidal polymer particles arranged in an hexagonal array in a thin film. They restrict thermal expansion in the plane of the film, such that there is greater expansion in the normal direction. These nanostructure films offer potential applications in thermal actuation.