Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Before After
FIGURE 4.89
Erosion of the electrode used after the operation.
FIGURE 4.90
The new PAN system produced a 5-mm displacement (a generative force of 50 gf).
contraction was still in progress. The temperature of the saline electrolyte solution
was maintained at about 50
C, which was significantly lower than that of the previous
system. Nevertheless, minor erosion/corrosion of the electrode was still observed
(fig. 4.89).
The following important issues were identified and left for the upcoming period
of research and development to be addressed:
°
Electrode performance improvement: It is our belief that the electrode is a
key component to properly design effective PAN-based linear contractile
and electrically controllable artificial muscle systems. It was decided to
consider different shapes, materials, and manipulation of the electrode in
the future.
Development of appropriate macramé of PAN fibers: We studied how to
weave a bundle of PAN fibers for consolidation and their engineering
properties that can affect the PAN muscle system. The performance
improvement of the PAN muscle systems can be achieved by using an
appropriate macramé of PAN fibers.
