Electro-thermally activated polymeric stack for linear in-plane actuation

Conference paper (2006)

Authors

GK Lau Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

J.F.L. Goosen Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

A. van Keulen Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

T Chu Duc Electronic Components, Technology and Materials -

Pasqualina M Sarro Electronic Components, Technology and Materials -

Research Group

Computational Design and Mechanics (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)

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Published Date

2006

Language

Undefined/Unknown

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Precision and Microsystems Engineering

Research Group

Computational Design and Mechanics

Abstract

An electrothermally-activated polymeric stacked actuator is presented to generate a rectilinear in-plane actuation. The actuator has a novel composite design, comprising of SU8 thermal expandable polymer, a silicon heat conductor and a top thin-film aluminium heater. The silicon heat conductor has a symmetric meandering shape. It extends through a thick SU8 layer. Theory and numerical analyses show that this design offers advantages of enhanced longitudinal thermal expansion and enhanced heat transfer across thickness of the insulating SU8 layer. It is effective in electromechanical actuation. An activated 530-micron long micro-machined thermal stack demonstrates a longitudinal stroke of 13 microns at 2V and 27mW, and a low temperature rise below 300 degrees Centigrade. Therefore, it can potentially be used for wider applications where low temperature and power efficiency are concerned.