Development of smart textiles from polymeric fiber-based artificial muscles (actuators)

This study proposes a methodology for the production of smart textile products from twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) artificial muscles. Current TCP artificial muscle production methods are discontinuous; however, they need to be produced continuously to enable mass production of smart textiles by conventional textile machines. For this purpose, a continuous TCP artificial muscle production system that can be controlled via computer was developed. The production system is suitable for the conversion of precursor filaments of all types and finenesses into artificial muscle under different production loads. Moreover, parameters such as production load and twist amount can be precisely adjusted via the computer and, if necessary, they can be changed on the control screen by interrupting the production. In the study, a method was also developed to enable self-coiled muscles to be used in conventional machines without any problems. In this method, artificial muscles are coated with PVA, allowing them to be knitted on flat and circular knitting machines without getting stuck on machine elements such as needles and guides. Within the scope of the thesis, the effects of artificial muscle production processes on the properties of base fibers were also examined, and various studies were carried out to improve the artificial muscle actuation performance and determine the optimum production parameters for the final product. Stimulus-dependent actuation performance measurements of the produced muscles were carried out with a measurement set-up which was developed by using high-precision sensors so that the data could be transferred directly to the computer, within the scope of this study. Finally, a massage wristband made of TCP artificial muscle was developed, which provides a similar performance to the commercial massage products available on the market.