Dielectric Elastomers in Actuator Technology

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are characterized by their ability to respond to external electric stimulation by displaying a significant shape or size displacement. Actuators, based on dielectric elastomers exhibiting low elastic stiffness and high dielectric constants, can produce high strain levels from 10 to 380 %. Typically, acrylic and silicone materials are used as dielectric layer in such actuators. Their potential to mimic the movement of animals, insects and even human body parts are increasingly of interest for researchers in the field of biomimetics, as well as more classical application fields like robotics. The control of the most important material properties, elastic moduli and dielectric constants of the dielectric elastomers and electrode materials, together with the control of fabrication parameters i.e. film thickness, electrode manufacturing as well as design of the actuator configuration allow the fabrication of tailor‐made actuators, which match the necessary requirements for a given application. Theoretical models contribute to a deeper understanding of EAP actuators and improve design and optimisation.