Dielectric Elastomer Cooperative Microactuator Systems—DECMAS

Mechanical characterization of a dielectric elastomer microactuator with ion-implanted electrodes

We report on the mechanical characterization and modeling of a non-prestretched dielectric elastomer diaphragm microactuator with ion-implanted electrodes under the influence of a distributed load (pressure). Thin PDMS membranes (30 μm thick, 2-3 mm diameter) were implanted on both side with gold ions by Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc and bonded on silicon chips with through-holes. A voltage appl...

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...

Stacked Dielectric Elastomer

This paper presents a novel approach for active structures driven by soft dielectric electro-active polymers (EAPs), which can perform contractive displacements at external tensile load. The active structure is composed of an array of equal segments, where the dielectric films are arranged in a pile-up configuration. The proposed active structure has the capability of exhibiting uniaxial contra...

Self-stabilizing Dielectric Elastomer Generators

Dielectric Elastomer Generators (DEGs) are an emerging technology for the conversion of mechanical into electrical energy. Despite many advantageous characteristics, there are still issues to overcome, including the need for charging at every cycle to produce an electrical output. Self-priming Circuits (SPCs) are one possible solution, storing part of the electric energy output of one cycle to ...