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Utrera-Barrios S, Steenackers N, Terryn S, Ferrentino P, Verdejo R, Van Asche G, López-Manchado MA, Brancart J, Hernández Santana M. Unlocking the potential of self-healing and recyclable ionic elastomers for soft robotics applications. Mater Horiz 2024; 11:708-725. [PMID: 37997164 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01312j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
In the field of soft robotics, current materials face challenges related to their load capacity, durability, and sustainability. Innovative solutions are required to address these problems beyond conventional strategies, which often lack long-term ecological viability. This study aims to overcome these limitations using mechanically robust, self-healing, and recyclable ionic elastomers based on carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR). The designed materials exhibited excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strengths (TS) exceeding 19 MPa and remarkable deformability, with maximum elongations (EB) over 650%. Moreover, these materials showed high self-healing capabilities, with 100% recovery efficiency of TS and EB at 110 °C after 3 to 5 h, and full recyclability, preserving their mechanical performance even after three recycling cycles. Furthermore, they were also moldable and readily scalable. Tendon-driven soft robotic grippers were successfully developed out of ionic elastomers, illustrating the potential of self-healing and recyclability in the field of soft robotics to reduce maintenance costs, increase material durability, and improve sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Utrera-Barrios
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - N Steenackers
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Imec, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Terryn
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Imec, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Ferrentino
- Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Imec, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - R Verdejo
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - G Van Asche
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M A López-Manchado
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - J Brancart
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Hernández Santana
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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Elghaoui H, Hrichi S, Raihane M, Arous M, Bouharras FZ, Verdejo R, Beniazza R, Ilsouk M, Lopez-Manchado MA, Lahcini M. Structure, thermal and mechanical properties of poly (ε-caprolactone)/organomodified clay bionanocomposites prepared in open air by in situ polymerization. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10601325.2020.1800412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Elghaoui
- IMED-Lab, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi-Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - S. Hrichi
- LaMaCoP-Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - M. Raihane
- IMED-Lab, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi-Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - M. Arous
- LaMaCoP-Faculty of Sciences, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - F. Z. Bouharras
- IMED-Lab, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi-Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - R. Verdejo
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologıa de Polımeros, ICTP-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Beniazza
- CBS-Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - M. Ilsouk
- IMED-Lab, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi-Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- CBS-Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | | | - M. Lahcini
- IMED-Lab, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Cadi-Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- CBS-Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
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Avilés F, May-Pat A, López-Manchado M, Verdejo R, Bachmatiuk A, Rümmeli M. A comparative study on the mechanical, electrical and piezoresistive properties of polymer composites using carbon nanostructures of different topology. Eur Polym J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Martin-Gallego M, Yuste-Sanchez V, Sanchez-Hidalgo R, Verdejo R, Lopez-Manchado MA. Epoxy Nanocomposites Filled with Carbon Nanoparticles. CHEM REC 2018; 18:928-939. [PMID: 29320616 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201700095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, the development of high performance lightweight polymer nanocomposites and, in particular, of epoxy nanocomposites has become one the greatest challenges in material science. The ultimate goal of epoxy nanocomposites is to extrapolate the exceptional intrinsic properties of the nanoparticles to the bulk matrix. However, in spite of the efforts, this objective is still to be attained at commercially attractive scales. Key aspects to achieve this are ultimately the full understanding of network structure, the dispersion degree of the nanoparticles, the interfacial adhesion at the phase boundaries and the control of the localization and orientation of the nanoparticles in the epoxy system. In this Personal Account, we critically discuss the state of the art and evaluate the strategies to overcome these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martin-Gallego
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros, ICTP-CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, Madrid, 28006, Spain
| | - V Yuste-Sanchez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros, ICTP-CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, Madrid, 28006, Spain
| | - R Sanchez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros, ICTP-CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, Madrid, 28006, Spain.,Instituto del Carbon, INCAR-CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, C/ Francisco Pintado Fe, 26, Oviedo, 33011, Spain
| | - R Verdejo
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros, ICTP-CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, Madrid, 28006, Spain
| | - M A Lopez-Manchado
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros, ICTP-CSIC Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, Madrid, 28006, Spain
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Vazquez-Moreno J, Yuste-Sanchez V, Sanchez-Hidalgo R, Verdejo R, Lopez-Manchado M, Fernández-García L, Blanco C, Menéndez R. Customizing thermally-reduced graphene oxides for electrically conductive or mechanical reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. Eur Polym J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Romasanta L, Lopez-Manchado M, Verdejo R. Increasing the performance of dielectric elastomer actuators: A review from the materials perspective. Prog Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Martin-Gallego M, Bernal M, Hernandez M, Verdejo R, Lopez-Manchado M. Comparison of filler percolation and mechanical properties in graphene and carbon nanotubes filled epoxy nanocomposites. Eur Polym J 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Romasanta L, Lopez-Manchado M, Verdejo R. The role of carbon nanotubes in both physical and chemical liquid–solid transition of polydimethylsiloxane. Eur Polym J 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2013.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Martin-Gallego M, Hernández M, Lorenzo V, Verdejo R, Lopez-Manchado M, Sangermano M. Cationic photocured epoxy nanocomposites filled with different carbon fillers. POLYMER 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2012.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Barroso-Bujans F, Verdejo R, Arroyo M, Lopez-Gonzalez MM, Riande E, Lopez-Manchado MA. The Development of Proton Conducting Polymer Membranes for Fuel Cells Using Sulfonated Carbon Nanofibres. Macromol Rapid Commun 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Barroso-Bujans F, Verdejo R, Pérez-Cabero M, Agouram S, Rodríguez-Ramos I, Guerrero-Ruiz A, López-Manchado M. Effects of functionalized carbon nanotubes in peroxide crosslinking of diene elastomers. Eur Polym J 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2008.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
A finite element analysis (FEA) was made of the stress distribution in the heelpad and a running shoe midsole, using heelpad properties deduced from published force-deflection data, and measured foam properties. The heelpad has a lower initial shear modulus than the foam (100 vs. 1050 kPa), but a higher bulk modulus. The heelpad is more non-linear, with a higher Ogden strain energy function exponent than the foam (30 vs. 4). Measurements of plantar pressure distribution in running shoes confirmed the FEA. The peak plantar pressure increased on average by 100% after 500 km run. Scanning electron microscopy shows that structural damage (wrinkling of faces and some holes) occurred in the foam after 750 km run. Fatigue of the foam reduces heelstrike cushioning, and is a possible cause of running injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Verdejo
- Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Abstract
Mechanical tests were performed on foamed blends of Ethylene – Styrene Interpolymer (ESI) with low density polyethylene (LDPE). In compressive impact tests the foams, of density around 50 kg m-3, have higher initial yield stresses than Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam of the same density. Impact, Instron and creep tests were analysed to estimate the effective air pressure in the undeformed foam cells, and the initial yield stress. The rate dependence of the latter increases slightly with increasing ESI content. The ESI/LDPE foams have improved impact properties, compared with EVA foams of similar density, for leg protection applications. Analysis of creep tests shows that air diffuses from the cells at a similar rate to EVA foams of a greater density. The ESI/LDPE foams have potential to replace higher density EVA foams in running shoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Ankrah
- Metallurgy and Materials, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT
| | - R. Verdejo
- Metallurgy and Materials, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT
| | - N.J Mills
- Metallurgy and Materials, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT
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