Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have shown promises in numerous applications such as bio‐inspired robotics, tactile displays, tunable optics, and microfluidics, owing to their unique combination of large actuation strain, high energy density, and light weight. However, the practical applications of the DEAs have been hindered partly due to their poor reliability and durability under high‐strain actuation. A major failure mechanism is from the localized electrical breakdown. Compliant electrodes with self‐clearing capability have been studied to prevent premature failures. Here, an interpenetrating bilayer compliant electrode comprising a thin layer of a water‐based polyurethane (WPU) overcoated on an ultrathin single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) layer is reported. The thin polyurethane layer serves as the dielectric barrier to suppress corona discharges of the nanotubes in air. The SWNT+WPU bilayer electrode has the capability to self‐clear at the breakdown sites, enhancing the fault tolerance and mendability of the DEA at a large‐strain actuation. Stable actuation at 150% area strain for 1000 cycles under square‐wave voltage and 5.5‐h continuous actuation at a constant voltage have been achieved for acrylic elastomer‐based DEAs.

Adding different quantities of CaO in combustible solid waste can inhibit the production of PCDD/Fs during incineration.

Functional gold nanoshells and nanocages were synthesized via self-assembly of lanreotide acetate.

On June 24, 2017 (21:39 UTC, June 23rd), a catastrophic landslide occurred at Xinmo village of Mao County, Sichuan Province, China. Soon after the event, some research teams carried out field investigations in order to both support the emergency operations and to understand the failure mechanism and possible evolutionary scenarios. Based on further in-depth interpretation of high-resolution remote-sensing images and detailed field surveys, it is newly found that there are at least six old rockfall deposits in the source area that prove the historic activity of the landslide scarp. Seismic data of the event and morphological evidences along the slope indicate that the landslide was preceded by a significant rockfall. Mechanical calculations show that the surface force due to pore water was far less than the impact force due to the rockfall. It means that the subsequent major rock avalanche was more likely due to the impact of the rockfall on the rock slope below, which broke the rock bridges and caused drop of shear resistance along the fractures. According to these new understandings, a different triggering mechanism for the landslide is proposed.

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