Study on the Effect of Tween80 on the Properties of PVA/SCFs Composites

Abstract

The properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/short carbon fibers (SCFs) electroactive shape memory composites after the addition of Tween80 were studied. The results showed that the addition of Tween80 caused a decrease in the electrical conductivity of the composites, and the conductivity of the composites decreased gradually with the increase of the Tween80 content. The addition of Tween80 significantly improved the deposition of SCFs in the matrix, which had a certain effect on the homogeneity of the composites. When the addition of Tween80 was 4%, it had the best tensile strength. The composite still showed good shape recovery properties under conductive conditions, while the shape fixity ratio has decreased. In addition, a smart gripper which could realize grasping action under electric stimulation was designed. The above results indicated that PVA/SCFs composites with appropriate Tween80 content could provide greater possibility for the potential application in the field of soft grippers.