Scientists develop artificial muscles that are 10 times stronger than real muscles

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a new material to produce artificial muscles that are stronger and more flexible than many natural muscles.

Membrane made of 10 layers of PHDE. (Photo: UCLA)

In collaboration with the non-profit organization SRI International, the UCLA team used readily available chemicals and ultraviolet (UV)-based treatments to improve the layer of dielectric elastomer (DE). This type of material is not only malleable and strong, but also lightweight and has a high energy density. DEs are polymers that can change size or shape when an electric field is applied, making them ideal for making actuators. DE produced from acrylic can withstand high pressure but needs pre-stretching and is difficult to bend. In contrast, DE made from silicon is easy to fabricate but cannot withstand high pressure.

The team was able to modify the cross-linking in the polymer's chain of the material to make DE that is softer, easier to drink and increases in size in a simpler way without losing strength or toughness. Changes in the manufacturing process allowed them to produce thin DE films called easy-to-process high-performance dielectric elastomers (PHDEs). The PHDE film is as thin and light as a human hair. Stacking multiple layers of PHDE membranes could help researchers create tiny actuators that behave like muscle tissue and produce enough muscle to operate a small robot.

The team also applied a simplified process that aligns the PHDE film with a blade, followed by a UV lamp treatment. As a result, they were able to produce actuators similar to spider legs with the ability to bend and jump, or turn and spin.

The actuators from PHDE can produce more force and are 3-10 times more flexible than natural muscles. For example, the new actuator can throw a ball 20 times heavier. According to Qibing Pei, a professor of materials science and engineering at UCLA, this actuator could pave the way for artificial muscles on robots or sensors and technology to accurately simulate and even improve human-like movements. People.