Hybrid hydrogels based on cross-linked polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol as electrically controlled artificial muscles

A procedure was developed for preparing hybrid hydrogel specimens of preset configuration from cross-linked polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. The specimens exhibit higher mechanical characteristics compared to hydrogels of cross-linked polyacrylic acid. Hydrogel specimens fabricated in the form of elastic rings demonstrate an electromechanical response, contraction on passing electric current through their cross section. This effect is more pronounced for the specimens swollen in a sodium sulfate solution than for those swollen in distilled water. The results obtained show that the hydrogels can be used as a linearly operating mechanical force generator (artificial muscle).