Efficient voltage actuators based on rapid heat and electric dual-response poly(aryl ether ketone) shape memory composites reinforced with radially aligned CNTs

In this paper, we synthesized the shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) and fabricated the radially oriented CNTs enhanced PAEK composite actuators. The introduction of highly aligned CNTs endowed PAEK matrix great thermal stability, good mechanical properties, and excellent shape memory effect. The formation of CNTs conductive path in PAEK matrix was instrumental in improving thermal and electrical conductivity, promoting efficient heat/electric dual triggered shape memory effect with high recovery ratio, rapid shape recovery and low triggering voltage. In addition, we used aligned CNTs/PAEK composites with 15 wt% CNTs as voltage actuators, and designed the two kinds of voltage actuators (angle-mode and time-mode) to achieve the different actuating actions via the applied voltage (range from 8 V to 50 V). These efficient composite voltage actuators exhibited the excellent stability and durability in continuous voltage actuating, which were expected to open door for smart actuators and electronic devices.