Magnetic torsional actuation of carbon nanotube yarn artificial muscle

Abstract

Magnetically driven torsional actuation of a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) yarn was realized by first biscrolling NdFeB magnetic particles into helical yarn corridors to make a magnetic MWNT yarn. The actuating device comprised a pristineMWNT yarn that was connected to the magnetic MWNT yarn, with a paddle attached between these yarns. The application of a magnetic field reversibly drove torsional actuation of up to 80 degrees within similar to 0.67 seconds. This magnetic actuator was remotely powered, and its actuation stroke was the same when the muscle array was at 20 degrees C and at -100 degrees C.