title: [Polymer networks as actuator and sensor systems to be used for automation of biomedical devices].
abstract: Polymer networks are based on molecules which are covalently or physically connected in a three-dimensional network. In presence of an appropriate solvent these networks swell by solvent absorption to form gels. These gels, which are called hydrogels in case of water absorption, are able to change their volume by more than a hundred-fold. During the swelling or shrinking process the hydrogels perform a mechanical work. Their volume standardized working capacity can be ten-times larger than that of an electromagnet. Due to their simple design, miniaturisation properties, and their ability to realize many automatic sensor and actuator functions, smart hydrogels offer new solutions in biomedical technology.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Feinwerktechnik und Elektronik-Design, Technische Universität Dresden. andreas.richter@ifte.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lienig
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Arndt
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D009038:Motion; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014159:Transducers
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D011108:Polymers