The 3D printing of dielectric elastomer films assisted by electrostatic force

Abstract

Compared with traditional methods for preparing dielectric elastomer (DE) films, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) 3D printing displays many advantages, notably full automation, computer control and flexible design. It also confers high printing resolution, high preparation efficiency with minimal probability of nozzle clogging. In this article, EHD 3D printing was employed to fabricate silicone rubber (SR) based DE films. In order to increase their dielectric constant, high dielectric copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) particles were added into the SR ink. Optimal printing

Electrohydrodynamic printing of a dielectric elastomer actuator and its application in tunable lenses

“…A prototype of a DE driven tunable lens was then prepared by using an EHD printing process under an applied voltage of 2600 V (see Figure 5 gradually with applied electric field and then drastically increased. The experimental procedure for obtaining the field-induced strain was the same as reported in a previous work [36]. This is mainly because the Maxwell stress causing the compression of the DEs has a second order relationship with the electric field.…”

“…In order to verify the repeatability of the experimental tunable lens deformation with electric field force, a numerical simulation of tunable lens deformation under the same operating conditions was performed by employing ABAQUS software. From tests described in previous research, the tensile strength of SR/3wt% CuPc was determined to be 4.16 ± 0.91 MPa and the dielectric constant at the frequency of 10 Hz was 5.52 [36]. To model the electromechanical behavior of the lens, a two-step approach was taken.…”

3D printing dielectric elastomers for advanced functional structures: A mini‐review

“…Figure 7a reveals the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) 3D printing system, which consists of a high‐voltage power supply, ink supply, ultrasonic device, high‐speed camera, and conductive substrate fixed on a three‐axis ( X, Y , and Z ) mechanical stage. Wang et al 47 depicted an electromechanical property testing system that was consisted of a high‐voltage power supply, high‐speed camera, light device, and equi‐biaxial sample clamp (Figure 7b). The area was captured by a high‐speed camera and measured using the LabVIEW software in real‐time.…”

Smart Film Actuators for Biomedical Applications

“…[70,71] In recent years, as the technique matures, a growing number of 3D printing approaches have emerged based on inkjet, laser, extrusion, melt electrowriting (MEW), etc., through which a high degree of automation of soft films with actuating capabilities could be fabricated. [48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56] Inkjet printing is a programmed process of depositing ink droplets on the substrate controlled by computers, suitable for the fabrication of responsible hydrogel actuators which are polymerized by UV light. [57] Laser-based Reproduced with permission.…”