Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Chemical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Walters, Keisha Bishop

Abstract

The fast development of compact and multifunctional electronics has driven interest in smart materials capable of responding to multiple stimuli. Ionogels, polymers that have been swollen with ionic liquids (IL), offer several favorable electrochemical and thermal properties due to their intrinsic ion conductivity, wide electrochemical window, non-flammability, and high thermal stability. However, their poor mechanical properties (e.g., modulus and strength) limit their use in applications. In this work, multifunctional PVDF ionogel composites were made by blending magnetically responsive iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) into the polymer matrix. The influence of MNP concentration (9-21 wt%) on composition, ionic conductivity, and mechanical properties were investigated to demonstrate dual stimuli response through electroactive and magnetic actuation. The resulting materials show fast macroscale actuation under magnetic fields and microscale electroactive actuation at low voltages, demonstrating their potential for applications such as soft robotics or wearable electronics.

Keywords

Actuators; Ionic Liquids; Ionogels; Polymer Science; Polymer Blends; Magnetic Nanoparticles

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