The choice of material is critical for the performance of thermal nanoactuators. Commonly used materials include:
- Bimetallic Strips: These consist of two metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion bonded together. When heated, the differential expansion causes the strip to bend. - Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs): These materials can "remember" their original shape and return to it after deformation when subjected to a specific temperature. - Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): CNTs can exhibit significant thermal expansion properties and are used in highly efficient thermal nanoactuators. - Polymers: Certain polymers can expand or contract significantly with temperature changes, making them suitable for soft nanoactuators.
