Nanotechnologists demonstrate artificial muscles powered by highly energetic fuels

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Carbon nanotubes are the building blocks for producing artificial muscles. In the image shown above the diagram illustrates a type of carbon nanotube called zig-zag.
Carbon nanotubes are the building blocks for producing artificial muscles. In the image shown above, the diagram illustrates a type of carbon nanotube called zig-zag.
University of Texas at Dallas nanotechnologists have made alcohol- and hydrogen-powered artificial muscles that are 100 times stronger than natural muscles, able to do 100 times greater work per cycle and produce, at reduced strengths, larger contractions than natural muscles. Among other possibilities, these muscles could enable fuel-powered artificial limbs, "smart skins" and morphing structures for air and marine vehicles, autonomous robots having very long mission capabilities and smart sensors that detect and self-actuate to change the environment.


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