For the development of artificial muscles, the Empa scientists experimented with alternating current electrospraying
Researchers from Empa and the University of Basel have developed a new method of electrospraying which enables artificial muscles to be fabricated from nanometer-thin silicone layers. Since muscles of this type can operate at a low voltage, there are potential future medical applications in the treatment of incontinence. Elastomers - also referred to as electroactive polymers (EAP) - transform electrical energy into mechanical energy and have a wide variety of applications, from powering windscreen wipers and generating sound to operating camera lenses. As an example of this, Optotune, a spin-off of ETH Zürich and Empa, have already launched infinitely focusable lenses of this type on the market. The principle is always the same: two electrodes are applied to the synthetic material, creating an electrical field. When voltage is applied, the material expands. When current no longer flows, the material contracts again.
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