title: Optimization of electroactive hydrogel actuators.
abstract: To improve actuation of hydrogels, we utilized an emulsion polymerization to engineer porous structures into polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Porous hydrogels generated large deformation as a result of enhanced deswelling mechanisms; for instance, the decreased number of COO(-) groups that must be protonated in porous hydrogels to initiate bending. Measurements of the mechanical properties revealed that porous hydrogels also bend to a larger extent because of their increased flexibility. Overall, our results demonstrate that the fast and large actuation of polyelectrolyte hydrogels can be accomplished by increasing the hydrogel porosity.
authors.forename: Megan L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: O'Grady
authors.forename: Po-ling
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Kuo
authors.forename: Kevin Kit
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D055119:Elastic Modulus / Q000528:radiation effects; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008422:Materials Testing; D014159:Transducers
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels