Actuation studies on polyacrylic rubber based dielectric elastomer transducers

Abstract

Dielectric elastomers are promising class of field activated electro active polymers (EAP) capable of demonstrating smart function as actuator/generator. These materials are capable of producing large strain, fast response, high efficiency and high energy density surpassing other field actuator technologies, e.g. piezoelectric polymers, ferroelectric polymers, electrostrictive polymers, etc. In this work, actuations of Dielectric Elastomer Patch Actuators (DEPA) have been studied at different DC poling voltages and with different pre-stretch conditions of the elastomeric films. Films of varied thickness (50, 100 & 150 ?m) were prepared after biaxial stretching of polyacrylic elastomer film upto 600%. The films were coated with silver grease and carbon grease to fabricate compliant electrodes. The actuations were studied using high voltage DC power supply (0-6 KV). At various poling voltages DEPA showed high level of non-linear actuation strain (more than 130%). The actuation behavior was also studied with various levels of pre-stretching. Dielectric elastomers have attained interest for defence applications over the past decade. This work would pave a way for the materials of tomorrow for futuristic defence applications.