Sheng Liu

Bio: Sheng Liu is an academic researcher from Pennsylvania State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electroactive polymers & Composite number. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 34 publications receiving 1271 citations. Previous affiliations of Sheng Liu include Nanjing University.

Electrical breakdown and ultrahigh electrical energy density in poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer

Abstract: This paper investigates the electrical breakdown of a polar fluoropolymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) which exhibits an exceptionally high discharged electrical energy density (>25 J/cm3). It is shown that above room temperature, the breakdown strength decreases with temperature. It is further shown that such a temperature dependence of breakdown strength is consistent with the electromechanical breakdown model by taking into consideration of the plastic deformation of semicrystalline polymers.

High Electromechanical Response of Ionic Polymer Actuators with Controlled-Morphology Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Nafion Nanocomposite Electrodes.

Abstract: Recent advances in fabricating controlled-morphology vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) with ultrahigh volume fraction create unique opportunities for markedly improving the electromechanical performance of ionic polymer conductor network composite (IPCNC) actuators. Continuous paths through inter-VA-CNT channels allow fast ion transport, and high electrical conduction of the aligned CNTs in the composite electrodes lead to fast device actuation speed (>10% strain/second). One critical issue in developing advanced actuator materials is how to suppress the strain that does not contribute to the actuation (unwanted strain) thereby reducing actuation efficiency. Here our experiments demonstrate that the VA-CNTs give an anisotropic elastic response in the composite electrodes, which suppresses the unwanted strain and markedly enhances the actuation strain (>8% strain under 4 volts). The results reported here suggest pathways for optimizing the electrode morphology in IPCNCs using ultra-high volume fraction VA-CNTs to further enhanced performance.

4-ps passively mode-locked Nd:Gd0.5Y0.5VO4 laser with a semiconductor saturable-absorber mirror.

Abstract: We have demonstrated a passively mode-locked diode end-pumped all-solid-state laser, which is composed of a Nd:Gd0.5Y0.5VO4 crystal and a folded cavity with a semiconductor saturable-absorber mirror grown by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition. Stable cw mode locking with a 3.8-ps pulse duration at a repetition rate of 112 MHz was obtained. At 13.6 W of the incident pump power, a clean mode-locked fundamental-mode average output power of 3.9 W was achieved with an overall optical-to-optical efficiency of 29.0%, and the slope efficiency was 38.1%.

A compact electroactive polymer actuator suitable for refreshable Braille display

Abstract: The large strain, high elastic modulus, and easy processing of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) electrostrictive terpolymer make it very attractive to replace low strain piezoceramics and piezopolymers in many applications with much improved performance. In this paper, a compact polymer actuator is developed utilizing the electrostrictive terpolymer, which is suitable for full page Braille display and graphic display. Key issues related to the reliability of electroactive polymers used in the compact actuators and for the mass fabrication of these polymer actuators are investigated. Making use of a recently developed conductive polymer, a screen printing deposition method was developed which enables direct deposition of very thin conductive polymer electrode layer (<0.1 μm) with strong bonding to the terpolymer surface and short fabrication time. It was observed that the thin conductive polymer electrodes lead to the self-healing of the polymer after electric breakdown. An electroactive polymer (EAP) compact Braille actuator was designed and fabricated with these terpolymer films wound on a spring core. The test results demonstrate that the EAP Braille actuator meets all the functional requirements of actuators for refreshable full Braille display, which offers compact size, reduced cost and weight.

2-ps passively mode-locked Nd:YVO4 laser using an output-coupling-type semiconductor saturable absorber mirror

Abstract: We have demonstrated stable self-starting passive mode-locking in a diode-end-pumped Nd: YVO4 laser using a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). An ln(0.25)Ga(0.75)As single quantum-well SESAM, which was grown by the metalorganic chemical-vapor deposition technique at low temperature, acts as a passive mode-locking device and an output coupler at the same time. Continuous-wave mode-locked transform-limited pulses were obtained at 1064 nm with a pulse duration of 2.1 ps and an average output power of 1.28 W at a repetition rate of 96.5 MHz. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.

American Society for Testing and Materials

Abstract: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an independent organization devoted to the development of standards.

Electroactive phases of poly(vinylidene fluoride) : determination, processing and applications

Abstract: Poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and its copolymers are the family of polymers with the highest dielectric constant and electroactive response, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric effects. The electroactive properties are increasingly important in a wide range of applications such as in biomedicine, energy generation and storage, monitoring and control, and include the development of sensors and actuators, separator and filtration membranes and smart scaffolds, among others. For many of these applications the polymer should be in one of its electroactive phases. This review presents the developments and summarizes the main characteristics of the electroactive phases of PVDF and copolymers, indicates the different processing strategies as well as the way in which the phase content is identified and quantified. Additionally, recent advances in the development of electroactive composites allowing novel effects, such as magnetoelectric responses, and opening new applications areas are presented. Finally, some of the more interesting potential applications and processing challenges are discussed.

Ab initio calculation of vibrational absorption and circular dichroism spectra using density functional force fields

Abstract: : The unpolarized absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the fundamental vibrational transitions of the chiral molecule, 4-methyl-2-oxetanone, are calculated ab initio. Harmonic force fields are obtained using Density Functional Theory (DFT), MP2, and SCF methodologies and a 5S4P2D/3S2P (TZ2P) basis set. DFT calculations use the Local Spin Density Approximation (LSDA), BLYP, and Becke3LYP (B3LYP) density functionals. Mid-IR spectra predicted using LSDA, BLYP, and B3LYP force fields are of significantly different quality, the B3LYP force field yielding spectra in clearly superior, and overall excellent, agreement with experiment. The MP2 force field yields spectra in slightly worse agreement with experiment than the B3LYP force field. The SCF force field yields spectra in poor agreement with experiment.The basis set dependence of B3LYP force fields is also explored: the 6-31G* and TZ2P basis sets give very similar results while the 3-21G basis set yields spectra in substantially worse agreements with experiment. jg

Fundamentals, processes and applications of high-permittivity polymer–matrix composites

Abstract: There is an increasing need for high-permittivity (high-k) materials due to rapid development of electrical/electronic industry. It is well-known that single composition materials cannot meet the high-k need. The combination of dissimilar materials is expected to be an effective way to fabricate composites with high-k, especial for high-k polymer–matrix composites (PMC). This review paper focuses on the important role and challenges of high-k PMC in new technologies. The use of different materials in the PMC creates interfaces which have a crucial effect on final dielectric properties. Therefore it is necessary to understand dielectric properties and processing need before the high-k PMC can be made and applied commercially. Theoretical models for increasing dielectric permittivity are summarized and are used to explain the behavior of dielectric properties. The effects of fillers, fabrication processes and the nature of the interfaces between fillers and polymers are discussed. Potential applications of high-k PMC are also discussed.

Advances in dielectric elastomers for actuators and artificial muscles.

Abstract: A number of materials have been explored for their use as artificial muscles Among these, dielectric elastomers (DEs) appear to provide the best combination of properties for true muscle-like actuation DEs behave as compliant capacitors, expanding in area and shrinking in thickness when a voltage is applied Materials combining very high energy densities, strains, and efficiencies have been known for some time To date, however, the widespread adoption of DEs has been hindered by premature breakdown and the requirement for high voltages and bulky support frames Recent advances seem poised to remove these restrictions and allow for the production of highly reliable, high-performance transducers for artificial muscle applications