MIT developing polymer materials using steam energy








A team of researchers from the Institute of Cancer David H. Koch MIT has recently developed into a polymer film can generate energy from steam. Consists of two thin polymer film composite materials can bend and deform when the presence of a very small amount of surrounding water vapor, thereby opening up the possibility of developing these types of artificial robot or as a power source for micro devices.

According to MIT, the new material has a very simple design with two plates with a total thickness of 20 micrometers. The first sheet is made from polypyrrole, a hard polymer acts as a structural support and the 2nd plate is made of polyol-borate - a stretch soft gel will absorb water. The use of two separate plates is considered a significant improvement compared to previous efforts to build artificial muscles which use only one layer of material.

Mechanism of action of the film is based on the transition between dry and wet environments. When the material is placed on a surface moisture though small, layer below will bend and turn upwards to reveal the surface steam latch. However, the research of MIT not just "for fun" by every bend, the film uses a large force. A heavy plate 25 milligrams can lift a weight of 380-fold or can carry heavy silver thread 10 times. According to the researchers, the operation of the film generated enough force to replace the electric actuator for the cost of the robot.

In addition, the film works only when there is water vapor in the surrounding environment. This feature makes the film not just a mini motor, but also as a source of energy. Can use the film piezoelectric materials to generate electricity. Currently, films can produce 5.6 nanowatt, enough to meet the activities of micro-electronic devices ultra-low power consumption.

According Mingming Ma-doctoral trainees before cum study authors: "With a battery-operated sensor, you'll have to replace it regularly. But if you have a device like this, you can collect collect energy directly from the environment without having to always run out of battery. "

Orientation of the research team is to develop polymer films to create energy by placing them around a body of water or integrated into clothing to the plate using a good sweat from the body to generate electricity for electronic devices worn on the person. In the near future, the team will continue to improve performance for the smaller plates can provide power for larger devices.