Alignment of lamellar block copolymer microstructure in an electric field was studied. Two mechanisms of alignment are considered: selective electric-field-induced disordering and alignment through movement of defects. The latter mechanism is supported by the findings that, in an aligned sample, defect structures exhibited a highly anisotropic arrangement and were spatially clumped. An analysis of fieldinduced forces on disclination lines and defect walls is presented. Also, defect interactions are considered. Through the interplay between these forces, the alignment process, the kinetics of alignment, and clumping of defects can be rationalized.

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We present the development and applications of dielectric elastomers. For the last 10 years the significance of this class of polymers has risen as more applications seem possible and first products have been commercialized.

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