Mechanochemical actuator
0301132-96
[DEFINITION]
An actuator that converts chemical energy directly into mechanical
work.
[DESCRIPTION]
Since a mechanochemical actuator uses chemical energy for the power
source, its efficiency is independent of its size. Contracting and expanding force is obtained by
changes of internal energy at different levels, from the molecule to polymer conformation,
interaction between polymers, to polymer bridge, against the stimuli from the outside. Examples of
application developed so far are robot hands, and artificial legs. Application to clamps that carry
out mechanical operations at the molecular level is also expected.
[References]
(2)(8)
[Related Terms]
Polymer actuator, Flagellar motor