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Dielectric elastomers were prepared on the basis of high molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diol filled with barium titanate particles having well-defined size and morphology.

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Polydimethylsiloxane-alpha, omega-diols were used as matrix for barium titanate particles to obtain electroactive elastomeric composites. Filler particles were previously treated with a surfactant to improve the compatibility with and dispersability in the matrix. The composites, processed as films and crosslinked with methyltriacetoxysilane, were investigated from point of view of the morphology, moisture sorption and thermal properties, as well as mechanical and dielectric behavior. Maximum strain value of 850% at 0.32 MPa and dielectric permittivity of 4.41 at 10 Hz and 20 ºC were obtained. Two parameters of interest for potential future application of such materials in electromechanical devices (actuation or harvesting), electromechanical sensitivity and harvesting energy capacity, were estimated and discussed in correlation with the molecular mass of the polymeric matrix and the content of the active filler.

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