Abstract
Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are an emerging class of soft actuators known for their real-time responsiveness, high strain and force output, and compact design. Often regarded as artificial muscles, DEAs mimic biological muscle behavior by contracting and relaxing in response to applied voltage. However, their practical application is limited by the high operating voltages required to induce sufficient Maxwell pressure for deformation. While stacking multiple DEA layers can enhance actuation strain and performance, the conventional fabrication process is time-and material-consuming due to repetitive layer-by-layer coating.This research addresses these challenges by introducing a novel foldable and stackable DEA architecture designed to achieve high-strain performance at reduced operating voltages while simplifying the fabrication process. Following the discussion on the working mechanisms, material properties, and design parameters of DEAs, this study developed ultrathin PDMS films with a thickness of 40 µm, a Young’s modulus of 0.15 MPa, a dielectric constant of 3.2, and a dielectric strength exceeding 134 V/μm; additionally, thin-film electrodes capable of sustaining strains above 10% were fabricated. These optimized materials were integrated into modular, foldable DEA units that can be stacked to scale up actuation performance.
The results demonstrate that a single foldable DEA unit achieved an actuation strain of 10.7%, while a four-unit stack produced a strain of 7.5% at an operating voltage as low as 1.5 kV—significantly lower than existing designs. This novel architecture not only reduces voltage requirements but also streamlines the manufacturing process, offering a potential pathway for the development of efficient artificial muscles with improved performance and scalability.
| Date of Award | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisor | Hongyu YU (Supervisor) & Larry LI (Supervisor) |
Cite this
- Standard