An improved electroactive polymer for optical applications

Ibtisam Abbas; Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily; Maximiano V. Ramos

doi:10.1117/12.538722

27 July 2004 An improved electroactive polymer for optical applications

Ibtisam Abbas, Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily, Maximiano V. Ramos

Proceedings Volume 5385, Smart Structures and Materials 2004: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD); (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.538722
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2004, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper investigates various experimental techniques of improving the optical properties as well as the electro-active characteristics of polyurethane polymer films for smart lens applications. Two experimental methods are used for preparing the films, the first consists of molding the polymer under various pressure and temperature conditions while the second is based on producing films of various thicknesses by the solvent casting method using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent followed by a 100°C annealing in vacuum for 30min. Testing samples of 50 mm diameter are rigidly attached to circular frames and tested under applied field in the range of 30-80 kV/mm. The first method produces thicker and stiffer films with deformation response in the order of 0.8 mm; however, they are translucent. The second method results in thinner films with lower flexibility and reasonable electro-active response in the order of 0.3 mm. The transparency of the latter samples is excellent and closes the gap to produce a smart lens.

Citation Download Citation

Ibtisam Abbas, Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily, and Maximiano V. Ramos "An improved electroactive polymer for optical applications", Proc. SPIE 5385, Smart Structures and Materials 2004: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), (27 July 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.538722

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