Remarkable PDMS/PET satin composite transverse pneumatic artificial muscles that are environmentally friendly

Abstract

New transverse pneumatic artificial muscles (TPAM) are introduced here; they are constructed out of a composite material consisting of a poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix membrane and a poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) satin reinforcement. The internal braid (IB) and external braid (EB) of a miniature TPAM are both flexible and serve to reinforce the membrane. With EB fibbers aligned perpendicular to the IB are positioned on the side. PDMS/PET composite's suitability for uses in the human gastrointestinal tract was investigated (chemical resistance, temperature characteristic), and the performance of variously manufactured TPAMs as actuators for robot driving was tested. The process of PDMS impregnation of PET satin and the influence of immersion in a chosen solution were studied by comparing FT-IR spectra of the composite. Superior biocompatibility can be shown in the composite, and when compared to other pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM), the muscles perform admirably in terms of static load. These findings provide hope for a future in which a painless robot inspection of the digestive system is achievable.