Abstract
We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of mechanical force on stimulus-induced deformation of rotaxane-based artificial molecular muscles. The study shows that a small external force slows down the shuttling motion and leads to longer actuation time for a muscle to reach its full extension. Further increase in the force can significantly reduce the traveling distance of the ring, leading to reduced strain output. A force larger than 28 pN can completely suppress the shuttling motion, suggesting a limit of force output of molecular muscles.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 233114 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 94 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2009 |