Yang, D;
Li, L;
Chen, H;
Wang, C;
Huang, J;
Zheng, T;
(2025)
A rapid and bidirectional humidity-responsive actuator via one-step self-assembly of a PVDF@F127-TiO₂ monolithic membrane for smart wearables.
Chemical Engineering Journal
, 519
, Article 165568. 10.1016/j.cej.2025.165568.
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Abstract
Humidity-responsive actuators capable of fast, reversible deformation with robust mechanical performance are critical for advancing smart materials and soft robotics. However, conventional multilayer humidity-responsive actuators often suffer from poor interfacial stability, complex fabrication, and limited mechanical robustness, hindering their practical applications. Here, we report a monolithic hybrid polymer nanocomposite membrane actuator fabricated via a one-step self-assembly process of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), amphiphilic Pluronic F127, and TiO₂ nanoparticles. This integrated design eliminates the need for multilayer structures by combining humidity-sensitive and mechanically stable components within a continuous membrane. The actuator exhibits ultra-fast bidirectional response (10 s), large bending deformation (239.1°), and tensile strength up to 27.7 MPa. Controlled distribution of F127 and TiO₂ enhances surface hydrophilicity and actuation performance. Additionally, the membrane demonstrates high mid-infrared emissivity (94.3%), enabling effective thermal radiation. This work presents a scalable strategy for fabricating high-performance, humidity-driven actuators with potential applications in soft actuators, sensors, and adaptive personal thermal management systems.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | A rapid and bidirectional humidity-responsive actuator via one-step self-assembly of a PVDF@F127-TiO₂ monolithic membrane for smart wearables |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.cej.2025.165568 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.165568 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Science & Technology, Technology, Engineering, Environmental, Engineering, Chemical, Engineering, Humidity-responsive, Bidirectional, Self-assembly, Personal thermal management |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Computer Science UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Mechanical Engineering |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10214794 |
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