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    Characterization of Polypyrrole/Gold Bilayers for Micro-valve Design

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    No. of downloads: 2086

    Date
    2005-08-29
    Author
    Fanning, Steven
    Advisor
    Smela, Elisabeth
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    Abstract
    Polypyrrole/gold bilayers are being developed as micro-actuators for several applications. The goal of this thesis was to use these bilayers in a micro-valve to control female urinary incontinence. Several substrate materials and designs were investigated, with noteworthy findings, including the development of a bulk micromachining method for titanium based on wet etching. Despite past research on polypyrrole/gold bilayers, the relationships between design parameters and performance were unknown. Work completed in this thesis resulted in data showing how the layer thicknesses and hinge length influence actuator bending and force. Bilayer performance was also examined as a function of temperature and in urine. Bilayer curvature increased at body temperature in a standard electrolyte, but in urine PPy failed at those temperatures.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1903/2826
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    • Mechanical Engineering Theses and Dissertations
    • UMD Theses and Dissertations

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    DRUM is brought to you by the University of Maryland Libraries
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