Enhanced electroactive response of unidirectional elastomeric composites with high-dielectric-constant fibers

Abstract

A fiber-elastomer composite design with a vastly improved and directional actuation response is proposed for dielectric elastomer actuators. The all-elastomer composites are capable of achieving remarkably high actuation stresses, directional strains, electromechanical coupling efficiencies, and energy densities at relatively low electric fields. Their electromechanical metrics are among the highest reported for this class of electroactive materials.