Polymers Functioning as Artificial Muscles

Authors

Nicholas Stanonis, Brigham Young University
William Pitt, Brigham Young University

Keywords

polymers, artificial muscles, synthetic muscles

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Chemical Engineering

Abstract

Current research in the field of polymers has led to the development of synthetic muscles that function similar to biological muscles. Scientists have engineered polymers to contract up to one thousand times their original volume when exposed to changes in light, temperature, voltage, or pH. The ability to contract and relax makes these polymers ideal artificial muscles. Currently, artificial muscles are being applied in the field of robotics. NASA is in the process of developing a dust wiper for their planetary rovers that operates with an artificial muscle. A common goal that many scientists are working towards is the implementation of these synthetic muscles in humans to overcome muscular dystrophy and other muscle related handicaps.

Recommended Citation

Stanonis, Nicholas and Pitt, William (2013) "Polymers Functioning as Artificial Muscles," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1745.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1745