Materials science on the nano-scale for improvements in actuation properties of dielectric elastomer actuators

We discuss various approaches to increasing the dielectric constant of elastomer materials, for use in dielectric elastomer actuators. High permittivity metal-oxide nano-particles can show elevated impact compared to larger size particles, but suffer from water uptake. Composites with conducting particles lead to extremely high permittivity caused by percolation, but they often suffer early breakdown. We present experiments on approaches combining metal-oxides and metal particles, which compensate for the drawbacks, and may lead to useful DEA materials in which all relevant properties are technologically useful. The key seems to be to avoid percolation and achieve a constant nearest-neighbor separation. © 2010 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

Molecular level materials design for improvements of actuation properties of dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomer actuators are soft electro-mechanical transducers with possible uses in robotic, orthopaedic and automotive applications. The active material must be soft and have a high ability to store electrical energy. Hence, three properties of the elastic medium in a dielectric elastomer actuator affect the actuation properties directly: dielectric constant, electric breakdown strength, and mechanical stiffness. The dielectric constant of a given elastomer can be improved by mixing it with other components with a higher dielectric constant, which can be classified as insulating or conducting. In this paper, an overview of all approaches proposed so far for dielectric constant improvement in these soft materials will be provided. Insulating particles such as TiO2 nanoparticles can raise the dielectric constant, but may also lead to stiffening of the composite, such that the overall actuation is lowered. It is shown here how a chemical coating of the TiO2 nanoparticles leads to verifiable improvements. Conducting material can also lead to improvements, as has been shown in several cases. Simple percolation, relying on the random distribution of conducting nanoparticles, commonly leads to drastic lowering of the breakdown strength. On the other hand, conducting polymer can also be employed, as has been demonstrated. We show here how an approach based on a specific chemical reaction between the conducting polymer and the elastomer network molecules solves the problem of premature breakdown which is otherwise typically found. © 2011 SPIE

Molecular level materials design for improvements of actuation properties of dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomer actuators are soft electro-mechanical transducers with possible uses in robotic, orthopaedic and automotive applications. The active material must be soft and have a high ability to store electrical energy. Hence, three properties of the elastic medium in a dielectric elastomer actuator affect the actuation properties directly: dielectric constant, electric breakdown strength, and mechanical stiffness. The dielectric constant of a given elastomer can be improved by mixing it with other components with a higher dielectric constant, which can be classified as insulating or conducting. In this paper, an overview of all approaches proposed so far for dielectric constant improvement in these soft materials will be provided. Insulating particles such as TiO2 nanoparticles can raise the dielectric constant, but may also lead to stiffening of the composite, such that the overall actuation is lowered. It is shown here how a chemical coating of the TiO2 nanoparticles leads to verifiable improvements. Conducting material can also lead to improvements, as has been shown in several cases. Simple percolation, relying on the random distribution of conducting nanoparticles, commonly leads to drastic lowering of the breakdown strength. On the other hand, conducting polymer can also be employed, as has been demonstrated. We show here how an approach based on a specific chemical reaction between the conducting polymer and the elastomer network molecules solves the problem of premature breakdown which is otherwise typically found. © 2011 SPIE

New materials for micro-scale sensors and actuators:an engineering review

This paper provides a detailed overview of developments in transducer materials technology relating to their current and future applications in micro-scale devices. Recent advances in piezoelectric, magnetostrictive and shape-memory alloy systems are discussed and emerging transducer materials such as magnetic nanoparticles, expandable micro-spheres and conductive polymers are introduced. Materials properties, transducer mechanisms and end applications are described and the potential for integration of the materials with ancillary systems components is viewed as an essential consideration. The review concludes with a short discussion of structural polymers that are extending the range of micro-fabrication techniques available to designers and production engineers beyond the limitations of silicon fabrication technology.Original Publication:S.A. Wilson, R.P.-J. Jourdain, Q. Zhang, R.A. Dorey, C.R. Bowen, Magnus Willander, Qamar Ul Wahab, M. Willander, S.M. Al-hilli, O. Nur, E. Quandt, C. Johansson, E. Pagounis, M. Kohl, J. Matovic, B. Samel, der Wijngaart W. van, Edwin Jager, D. Carlsson, Z. Djinovic, M. Wegener, C. Moldovan, E. Abad, M. Wendlandt, C. Rusu and K. Persson, New materials for micro-scale sensors and actuators. An engineering review, 2007, Materials science & engineering. R, Reports, (56), 1-129.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mser.2007.03.001Copyright: Elsevierhttp://www.elsevier.com