Evaluation of dielectric elastomers to develop materials suitable for actuation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Electromechanical Engineering

Background:

• Dielectric elastomers are soft, stretchable capacitors converting electrical and mechanical energy, enabling applications like actuators and sensors.
• Current research on dielectric elastomer actuators prioritizes high strain, focusing on material properties like breakdown field, Young's modulus, and dielectric constant.
• The interdependency of these properties and electromechanical instability complicate material evaluation and comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the complexities in evaluating and comparing dielectric elastomers for actuator applications.
• To introduce a rational methodology for assessing dielectric elastomers based on energy conversion and electromechanical stability.
• To provide a framework for identifying suitable materials and modification procedures for desired actuator performance.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of two key physical parameters: one for energy converted and another for electromechanical stability.
• Development of a general and rational methodology for comparing dielectric elastomers using physicochemical and electromechanical properties.
• Analysis of commercially available dielectric elastomers and screening of modified elastomers based on the proposed methodology.

Main Results:

• A methodology is presented to compare dielectric elastomers by considering their energy conversion and electromechanical stability.
• Commercially available dielectric elastomers are analyzed, and various polymer modification methods are screened.
• Trends are identified to guide the selection of appropriate modification procedures for specific elastomer requirements.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methodology facilitates a rational comparison and evaluation of dielectric elastomers.
• The review identifies suitable modification strategies for tailoring elastomer properties for actuator applications.
• A quick identification method, including graphic representation, is offered to aid in the development of dielectric materials for actuators.