Editorial
Introduction to ‘Multimodal remote actuation and sensing in polymer nanocomposites for advanced applications’
Vinay Deep Punetha, Lorenzo Bardella and Mohammad Luqman introduce the Materials Advances themed collection on ‘Multimodal remote actuation and sensing in polymer nanocomposites for advanced applications’.
Review Article
Review on the use of impedance spectroscopy for IPMC-like devices: application, models, and a new approach to data treatment
An extensive review of IPMC-like devices that use impedance spectroscopy as characterization. The proposed model considers the structure of the polymer and aims to be a unique model that can model a device in any humidity and counterion condition.
Paper
A multi-cation model for the actuation of ionic membranes with ionic liquids
We propose a model to describe the mechanics and electrochemistry of ionic membranes with ionic liquids. The model allows the study of the migration of multiple mobile cations of different sizes.
Paper
High-performance transparent hybrid (ionic and dielectric) gel actuator system based on poly(vinyl chloride)/dibutyl adipate/ionic liquid gels operating at a low applied voltage
This study presents a transparent hybrid (ionic and dielectric) gel actuator system based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ionic liquid (IL) gels with dibutyl adipate (DBA) as the plasticiser.
Paper
Evaluation of two core–shell (Ag2S@- and Bi2S3@-) sensors based on a metal–organic framework (NH2-MIL-125-Ti)/polyaniline for the electroanalysis of uric acid in urine samples
Chemical sensors for the determination of uric acid (UA) in human urine samples have been developed using a composite material based on two core–shells (Ag2S@- and Bi2S3@-) coated with a metal–organic framework (NH2-MIL-125-Ti) and polyaniline (PANI).
Paper
Finely tuning the self-assembled architectures of liquid crystal polymers by molecular engineering: phase transitions derived from terminal group variations
Through rational molecular design and modulation of terminal groups in building blocks, as an efficient approach, it is quite efficient to achieve diverse phase transition behaviours and adjust phase structures.
Paper
4D printed biocompatible magnetic nanocomposites toward deployable constructs
Herein, an alternating magnetic field-triggered shape memory polymer composite has been 3D printed as a tissue scaffold that can be remotely deployed at physiological temperatures and can be extended to soft robotics.
Paper
Flexible, recyclable and sensitive piezoresistive sensors enabled by lignin polyurethane-based conductive foam
Flexible sensors are of great significance in wearable electronic devices.
Paper
Tuning triboelectric and energy harvesting properties of dielectric elastomers via dynamic ionic crosslinks
The bromination of poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) rubber introduces a small amount of bromide groups (1–2 mol%) to the elastomer backbone and creates new opportunities for functionalisation, as compared to other saturated and diene elastomers.
About this collection
Guest Edited by Lorenzo Bardella (University of Brescia, Italy),Mohammad Luqman (Taibah University, Saudi Arabia) and Vinay Deep Punetha (P P Savani University, India).
Actuators play a crucial and indispensable role in shaping the landscape of modern technology. The integration of 0D, 1D, and 2D nanomaterials in polymer composites revolutionizes the multimodal actuation and control and offers unprecedented miniaturization and enhanced functionality. Their unique capabilities, such as precise motion control and adaptive response, enable the development of innovative solutions and pave the way for new technological advancements. This collection aims to bring together contributions concerned with the most recent advances in the multimodal actuation and sensing of polymers.