Abstract Details

Title Development of Artificial Muscles To Restore Function and Decrease Morbidity in Patients with Neurological Weakness

Topic Neural Repair/Rehabilitation

Presentation(s) P04 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 040

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: Over 3 million patients are diagnosed annually with a neurological disorder resulting in weakness. Light weight artificial muscles are crucial for restoring function. Despite the great need, no such material currently exists. We have focused on utilizing thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) as electroactive dielectric elastomers. TPUs, which are best known for their compliance, are composed of soft and hard segments. Properties of the hard segment correspond to the strength and force that can be generated, whereas characteristics of the soft segment allow for the elastomeric properties. Hence, by varying the polymer chemistry, we can custom design dielectric elastomers with properties replicating those of natural muscle. We have specifically focused on elastomers that have a high dielectric constant, low modulus, low leakage current, and high breakdown strength.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Over twenty different TPUs with varying degrees of hydrophobicity, and different polymer chemistries of soft and hard segments were identified. These polymers were pressed into homogenous 50 micron films. The dielectric and electro-mechanical responses, as a function of frequency, were systematically characterized using a Novocontrol Spectrometer and a Radiant I device.

Results RESULTS: The dielectric constants were measured to be as high as 10, which is four times more electrically powerful than other commercially available dielectric elastomers. The lowest permittivity we measured was 5. Additionally, the dielectric loss was found to be as low as 0.02.

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Our initial studies have shown that the properties of TPUs far exceed that of most other elastomers in regards to being four times more electrically powerful, while retaining their compliance and low leakage current. Although this has not been previously described in polyurethanes, these properties are essential to creating biomimetic actuators, as they markedly increase the driving force for electrical actuation.

Authors/Disclosures
Rahila Ansari, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Ansari has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Course Director with AAN.
Dorothea A. Buck, MD (Klinikum Rechts Der Isar)	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file

��ɫ��

��ɫ��