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Use of Carbon Nanotubes in Photoactuating Composites

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Photophysics of Carbon Nanotubes Interfaced with Organic and Inorganic Materials

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Abstract

The use of carbon nanotubes in systems that cause a direct conversion of light to mechanical motion is reviewed. Both single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been utilized in structures that induce macroscopic actuation responses. Various modalities include bundles of carbon nanotubes, free-standing films, carbon nanotubes dispersed into a host matrix, and carbon nanotubes as part of layered structures. In all cases the carbon nanotubes are responsible for the absorption of the light and also for the optomechanical actuation. Simple thermal effects are not the primary contributor to the photoactuation. However, the surrounding environment also influences the observed strain or stress measurements, often leading to an amplification of the intrinsic effect initiated by the carbon nanotubes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA

    William B. Euler

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London

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Euler, W.B. (2012). Use of Carbon Nanotubes in Photoactuating Composites. In: Photophysics of Carbon Nanotubes Interfaced with Organic and Inorganic Materials. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4826-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4826-5_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4825-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4826-5

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