Perspective Chapter: Improvement of Elastomer Elongation and Output for Dielectric Elastomers

Abstract

The need for light, high-strength, and artificial muscles is growing rapidly. A well-known type of artificial muscle meeting these requirements is the dielectric elastic (DE) type, which uses electrostatic force between electrodes. In hopes of utilizing, it practically for a variety of purposes, research and development is rapidly progressing all over the world as a technology for practical use. Much of the market demand is dominated by more output-focused applications such as DE power suits, DE motors, DE muscles for robots, and larger DE power systems. To meet these demands, the elasticity of the elastomer is very important. In this paper, we discussed what the important factors are for SS curves, viscoelasticity tests, etc. of the dielectric elastomer materials. Recent attempts have been also made to use new carbon foam materials such as SWCNTs and MWCNTs as electrodes for DEs. These electrodes bring the elastomers to a higher level of performance.

Possibilities of Artificial Muscles Using Dielectric Elastomers and their Applications

“…S. Silkulski et al mixed ferroelectric particles and attempted low voltage drive [25]. L. Romasanta et al [26], E. Hajiesmaili [27], Chiba, et al [28], and F. Albuquerque et al [29] reviewed the SS curve, permittivity, dielectric loss, viscoelastic damping, the effect of an electric field, etc. M. Carmel researched using liquid metals in order to increase the dielectric constant of the DE [30].…”

“…Regarding elastomer materials, some researchers are trying to increase the dielectric constant, but increasing the dielectric constant makes the material harder. For DE, moderate stiffness is important and also depends on drive speed [20,28]. Figure 7 shows stress and elongation (the SS curve) due to different elastomer materials.…”

“…Harder materials like silicone don't stretch as much, but they might exhibit more stress, so the DEA might be able to get more power than the softer acrylic. Acrylic is a material that can be called an artificial muscle because it has both good elongation and output [20,28]. The amount of cross-linking agent added to the elastomer also affects its characteristics, but if it is too small, the strength of the membrane deteriorates and is not recommended [28].…”

“…Acrylic is a material that can be called an artificial muscle because it has both good elongation and output [20,28]. The amount of cross-linking agent added to the elastomer also affects its characteristics, but if it is too small, the strength of the membrane deteriorates and is not recommended [28]. Interestingly, the lower molecular weight crosslinkers exhibit greater elongation [41].…”