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Polyvinyl Chloride Gels: Theoretical Modeling Of Their Actuation Mechanism And Characterization Of Their Properties, Zachary Frank
Polyvinyl Chloride Gels: Theoretical Modeling Of Their Actuation Mechanism And Characterization Of Their Properties, Zachary Frank
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gels are an electroactive polymer smart material which has been considered in a variety of actuator applications. Their large deformation, fast response rates, optical transparency, and soft nature has made them a key area of interest in fields ranging from soft robotics to optics. PVC gels are made from PVC mixed with large quantities of plasticizer, such as dibutyl adipate (DBA). When a voltage is applied, the gel experiences an “anodophilic” deformation (in which it moves preferentially towards the anode). This unique characteristic is the result of a charge buildup near the anode surface, which creates electromechanical …