Ultrahigh strain response of field-actuated elastomeric polymers

Roy D. Kornbluh; Ron Pelrine; Qibing Pei; Seajin Oh; Jose Joseph

doi:10.1117/12.387763

7 June 2000 Ultrahigh strain response of field-actuated elastomeric polymers

Roy D. Kornbluh, Ron Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Seajin Oh, Jose Joseph

Proceedings Volume 3987, Smart Structures and Materials 2000: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD); (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.387763
Event: SPIE's 7th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2000, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Extremely large strains were achieved with elastomeric polymer films that are subject to high electric fields. The films were coated on both sides with complaint electrode material. When voltage was applied, the film compressed in thickness and expanded in area. The strain response is dominated by the electrostatic forces produced by the charges on the compliant electrodes. Actuated strains up to 117% were demonstrated with silicone elastomers, and up to 215% with acrylic elastomers. A key to achieving these large strains is to introduce a high prestrain to the film. Specific energy densities were much greater than those of other field-actuated materials. Because the response is electrostatic in nature, the actuation mechanism is predicted to be fast. Response speeds in excess of 2000 Hz have ben demonstrated in silicones. Acrylic response speeds are more than an order of magnitude slower, although the reason for this difference is not yet known. Measurement of material viscoelastic and electrical properties predicts that high efficiencies (> 80%) may be achieved with efficient driver circuits. A variety of actuators, including electrooptical devices, diaphragm pumps, and muscle like linear actuators, have been demonstrated with these materials, suggesting that this technology is well suited to small-scale electromechanical devices and robots.

Citation Download Citation

Roy D. Kornbluh, Ron Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Seajin Oh, and Jose Joseph "Ultrahigh strain response of field-actuated elastomeric polymers", Proc. SPIE 3987, Smart Structures and Materials 2000: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), (7 June 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.387763

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