Optimizing the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of gel‐based bionic artificial muscles (GBAMs): A comparative study on crosslinking agents

The study examined the impact of various calcium salts crosslinking agents on the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of gel‐based bionic artificial muscles (GBAMs) that exhibited directional bending deflection and generated actuation force when electrically stimulated, thereby converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Furthermore, a comparative investigation was carried out to examine the mechanical properties, electrochemical characteristics, microstructure, material composition, and actuation lifespan of GBAMs doped with various calcium salts, which were commonly found in biological muscles. Moreover, this research paper offered a comprehensive analysis of the mechanoelectric coupling's contribution towards optimizing the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of the GBAM. The findings indicated that the GBAM, synthesized through the cross‐linking of calcium iodide doped with a 25% volume fraction of ethanol absolute, exhibited superior mechanical properties, electrochemical characteristics, microstructure, and actuation lifespan when compared to various other calcium salts. Hence, following a comprehensive comparison, it could be deduced that the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of the GBAM, synthesized using calcium iodide doped with a 25% volume fraction of ethanol absolute as a crosslinking agent, exhibited the highest level of effectiveness when compared to the other four calcium salts. The preparation diagram, experimental platform, and mechanoelectric coupling mechanism of the GBAM samples are investigated under various calcium salt crosslinking processes, with a focus on their fatigue‐resistant actuation performance.