Currently, scientists are still looking for new polymeric materials characterized by improved mechanical, thermal as well as dielectric properties. Moreover, it should be stressed that new composites should be environmentally friendly. For this reason, the aim of this work is to establish the influence of natural fillers in the form of diatomaceous biosilica (B) and talc (T) on the properties of dielectric elastomer (DE)-based composites. The dielectric elastomer-based materials have been tested taking into account their morphology, thermal and mechanical properties. Moreover, the dielectric constant of the obtained materials was evaluated. Obtained results revealed that the presence of both diatomaceous biosilica and talc significantly increases dielectric properties while having no significant effect on the mechanical properties of the obtained composites. It should be stressed that the performed analyses constitute a valuable source of knowledge on the effective modification of the thermal and dielectric properties of newly obtained materials.

This article consists of research results regarding the use of energy profiles, as a tool for the configuration of offshore floating platforms' hybrid power supply system. Given solution supports renewables, as a platform's exploitation economy improvement. As a main current source in the proposed system, a fuel cell with high energy density to mass ratio (Wh/kg) is provided; however, it has disadvantages regarding its dynamic response during the load changes. The proposed solution minimises the disadvantages of the fuel cell by designing a hybrid system consisting few energy sources and storages with a logic system to control its elements. In order to optimise the hybrid system's configurations the author's concept has been applied. This concept models the set of energetic and dynamic characteristics called the energy profile in the considered floating platform's electric loads. Use of energy profiles in the system's configuration process allows minimisation of its size with constant power availability in all the floating platform's exploitation states.

Currently a much higher number of portable devices with improved functionality supporting our job-related and social activities require higher and higher capacity and power offered by sources of power supply. Theoretical analysis of the possibility to achieve exploitation features of currently known portable sources of electric current has led the author to a conclusion that even the best solutions will not meet the desired mass and volume magnitudes in relation to the energy supplied. Therefore, if the sources of energy have reached the physically and economically justified capability limits and they are characterized by significantly varied exploitation properties, a solution combining the advantages of various sources of energy through energy management seems to be sensible. In this connection this article presents the idea of a system of energy control, which using available cells will allow for reducing the weight of power supply systems. The considerations are based on defense-related applications, this, however, does not exclude applications for civilian purposes.

Purpose: Recent years have shown a dynamic development of underwater robotics. Autonomous biomimetic underwater vehicles (BUVs) with undulating propulsion are the latest branch in this area. They imitate not only the construction of underwater living organisms such as fish, but also kinematics of their motion. Such solution gives more energy efficient propulsion with less noise comparing to classical propulsion based on screw propellers [1]. However even the latest solutions still use the same electromagnetic engines to drive those sophisticated constructions. This article contains the concept of a ionic polymer-metal composites drive, design for undulating propulsion. Design/methodology/approach: Design of the new type of fin requires further tests and presented model takes under the consideration influence of only few factors described in this paper. Findings: Results of the research confirm theoretical behaviour of IPMC’s (Ionic Polymer- Metal Composites) and show some disadvantages of this type of materials. Research limitations/implications: The effects of the research are limited to macroscopic observation with limited accuracy. Practical implications: Results of the research show possible future application of IPMC’s (in underwater robotics). Originality/value: Results of this research opens a new idea which with further tests may result in developing a new quiet undulating propulsion for BUV’s.

The aim of this work involved comparing the effect graphite and shungite have on the properties of dielectric elastomer-based materials. For this reason, dielectric elastomer–Sylgard (S) was filled with 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of graphite (G) and shungite (Sh). The structure of the obtained materials was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The influence of the introduced additives on the thermal stability of the obtained composites was evaluated using thermogravimetry. Moreover, the mechanical properties and the dielectric constant of the elastomer with an addition of graphite and shungite were determined. Obtained results allowed us to establish that the presence of graphite as well as shungite significantly influences mechanical as well as dielectric properties. Additionally, the optimum mass of additives, allowing to increase the dielectric constant without the significant decrease of strain at break, was indicated. In the case of materials containing graphite, regardless of the filler content (1–15 wt.%), the mechanical as well as the dielectric properties are improved, while in the case of composites with an addition of shungite exceeding the 5 wt.% of filler content, a reduced tensile strength was observed.