Nanowerk May 7, 2020
Researchers in Sweden have developed a material that is manufactured from commercial carbon fibers and a structural battery electrolyte and uses lithium-ion insertion to produce shape changes at low voltages. It is an electrically controlled solid-state morphing composite material that is lightweight and has a stiffness higher than aluminum. It is capable of producing large deformations and holding them with no additional power, albeit at low rates. A proof-of-concept material in a cantilever setup was used to show morphing. Analytical modeling showed good correlation with experimental observations. The concept presented shows considerable promise and paves the way for stiff, solid-state morphing materials…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
A new carbon fibre composite material which can be bent with electronic impulses was demonstrated in a recent proof-of-concept study. Credit: (Image: KTH)