Enhancement of controllable circular actuator using graphene oxide particles

This work aims to study the responsive expansion of graphene oxide- acrylic elastomer (GO-Acry ER
elastomer) under applied electric field. The GO was synthesized from graphite (GP) by using
Hummer’s method based on various the ratios of GP to oxidizing agent namely potassium
permanganate. GO-Acry ER elastomer was prepared by painted GO as the polarized particle on
circular Acry ER as elastomer matrix. The optimum condition of synthesized GO was 1:2 ratios of GP:
oxidizing agent which provided a more crystallinity, smaller particle size, and higher pore volume.
The circular actuation response of GO-Acry ER elastomer was stimulated by applying external
stimuli under various electric field strengths and GO characteristics. The expansion of the GO-Acry
ER elastomer increased with an increasing external electric field strength. The GO-Acry ER elastomer
under adding GO of 1:2 ratios was the largest expansion with 50% strain under applied electric
field of 300 kV/mm. When the electric field strength was > 300 kV/mm, the ER elastomer shrank
owing to electrical breakdown. Thus, GO is a suitable choice due to its ease of preparation and fast
electro-responsive properties.