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Ultra-High Strain Response of Elastomeric Polymer Dielectrics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

Roy Kornbluh ,
Ronald Pelrine ,
Jose Joseph ,
Qibing Pei  and
Seiki Chiba
Roy Kornbluh
Affiliation:
SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, roy.kombluh@sri.com
Ronald Pelrine
Affiliation:
SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, roy.kombluh@sri.com
Jose Joseph
Affiliation:
SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, roy.kombluh@sri.com
Qibing Pei
Affiliation:
SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, roy.kombluh@sri.com
Seiki Chiba
Affiliation:
SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, roy.kombluh@sri.com
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Abstract

The strain response of dielectric elastomers sandwiched between compliant electrodes was studied. These electroactive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM) materials show excellent overall performance and appear more attractive than many competing actuator technologies. Based on the available data, the actuation mechanism is due to the free charge interaction of the compliant electrodes, enhanced by the dielectric properties of the elastomer (Maxwell stress). Strains over 200%, actuation pressures up to 8 MPa, and energy densities up to 3.4 J/cm3 have been demonstrated with silicone rubber and acrylic elastomers. Response time is rapid, and the potential efficiency is high. The fabrication of EPAM actuators can be simple and low cost. A wide range of small devices have been made, to demonstrate the potential of the technology and reveal more about performance and fabrication issues. These devices include bending beam actuators for scanners and clamps, diaphragm actuators for pumps and valves, stretched-film actuators for electro-optics, and bow actuators for muscle-like actuators for small robots and other micro machines.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 600: Symposium FF – Electroactive Polymers , 1999 , 119
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2000

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