A Dielectric Elastomer and Graphene Nanocomposites: A Review

Multifunctional Elastomer Nanocomposites with Functionalized Graphene Single Sheets

We demonstrate the use of functionalized graphene sheets (FGSs) as multifunctional nanofillers to improve mechanical properties, lower gas permeability, and impart electrical conductivity for several distinct elastomers. FGS consists mainly of single sheets of crumbled graphene containing oxygen functional groups and is produced by the thermal exfoliation of oxidized graphite (GO). The present ...

Nonlinear oscillation of a dielectric elastomer balloon

Much of the existing literature on dielectric elastomers has focused on quasi-static deformation. However, in some potential applications, the elastomer deforms at high frequencies and undergoes nonlinear oscillation. While nonlinear oscillation has been studied in many areas of science and engineering, we are unaware of any theoretical analysis of nonlinear oscillation of dielectric elastomers...

Modeling of a Dielectric Elastomer Bender Actuator

The current smallest self-contained modular robot uses a shape memory alloy, which is inherently inefficient, slow and difficult to control. We present the design, fabrication and demonstration of a module based on dielectric elastomer actuation. The module uses a pair of bowtie dielectric elastomer actuators in an agonist-antagonist configuration and is seven times smaller than previously demo...

Dielectric Elastomers Conductive Elastomer Insulating Elastomer

Helical dielectric elastomer actuators

This paper presents a new type of contractile polymer-based electromechanical linear actuator. The device belongs to the class of dielectric elastomer actuators, which are typically capable of undergoing large deformations induced by an applied electric field. It is based on a novel helical configuration, suitable for the generation of electrically driven axial contractions and radial expansion...