High-strain dielectric elastomer for actuation

Federico Carpi; Alberto Mazzoldi; Danilo De Rossi

doi:10.1117/12.484315

28 July 2003 High-strain dielectric elastomer for actuation

Federico Carpi, Alberto Mazzoldi, Danilo De Rossi

Proceedings Volume 5051, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD); (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484315
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results on the characterisation of the actuating performances, never explored before, of an elastomeric material (Dr Scholl’s, Canada, Gelactiv tubing), to realise dielectric elastomer actuators. Strain and stress performances of this material were compared to those of the most currently used acrylic elastomer (3M, U.S.A., VHB 4910). Planar actuators were realised and tested, using films of the two materials, coated with compliant electrodes made of carbon grease. Following the application of a two-second high-voltage impulse, the isotonic transverse displacement and the isometric transverse force were separately measured along a prestrained direction. Actuators made of the new elastomer showed, respect to those made of the acrylic polymer, a lower dielectric strength, a transverse strain more than twice greater for the same applied electric field (e.g. 1.8 % against 0.7 % @ 27 V/μm) and a transverse stress less than twice smaller (e.g. 3.7 KPa against 5.3 KPa @ 24 V/μm).

Citation Download Citation

Federico Carpi, Alberto Mazzoldi, and Danilo De Rossi "High-strain dielectric elastomer for actuation", Proc. SPIE 5051, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), (28 July 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484315

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available