Advances in Dielectric Elastomers for Actuators and Artificial Muscles

Brochu, Paul; Pei, Qibing

doi:10.1002/marc.200900425

Cited by 1,280 publications

(1,156 citation statements)

References 303 publications

(301 reference statements)

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“…Natural muscles DEs Energy density 150 J/kg (peak to 300 J/kg) (Boy et al, 2013) 3400 J/kg (Brochu and Pei, 2010) Frequencies and response time 10 Hz, 10 ms (Meijer et al, 2001) 10 kHz, 0.1 ms (Sheng et al, 2013) Maximum strain 100% linear (Brochu and Pei, 2010) 1692% areal (Li T.F. et al, 2013) (Li T.F.…”

Section: Propertymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The actuators in stacking or multi-layer configuration were shown to provide larger forces in parallel and nearly linear contractile response in the thickness direction, as indicated in Fig. 4f (Brochu and Pei, 2010;Haus et al, 2013;Tutcuoglu and Majidi, 2014). Carpi et al (2005) designed a contractile DE actuator of helical stack configuration, which was capable of 5% strain under an electric field of 14 V per μm.…”

Section: Propertymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Various types of smart materials have been used as artificial muscles with assumed response to external stimuli, including dielectric elastomers (DEs), ferroelectric polymers (FPs), ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), and shape-memory polymers (SMPs). Among those listed, DEs that are usually made of electroactive polymers can readily transform electric energy into mechanical work, enabling them to mimic the function and performance of natural muscles (Shankar et al, 2007;Brochu and Pei, 2010;Kornbluh et al, 2012;Suo, 2012;Zhao and Wang, 2014). Specific examples of DEs include acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes, fluoroelastomers, and ethylene-propylene rubbers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mechanics of dielectric elastomers: materials, structures, and devices

Qian

2016

JZUS-A

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Dielectric elastomers (DEs) respond to applied electric voltage with a surprisingly large deformation, showing a promising capability to generate actuation in mimicking natural muscles. A theoretical foundation of the mechanics of DEs is of crucial importance in designing DE-based structures and devices. In this review, we survey some recent theoretical and numerical efforts in exploring several aspects of electroactive materials, with emphases on the governing equations of electromechanical coupling, constitutive laws, viscoelastic behaviors, electromechanical instability as well as actuation applications. An overview of analytical models is provided based on the representative approach of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, with computational analyses being required in more generalized situations such as irregular shape, complex configuration, and time-dependent deformation. Theoretical efforts have been devoted to enhancing the working limits of DE actuators by avoiding electromechanical instability as well as electric breakdown, and pre-strains are shown to effectively avoid the two failure modes. These studies lay a solid foundation to facilitate the use of DE materials, structures, and devices in a wide range of applications such as biomedical devices, adaptive systems, robotics, energy harvesting, etc.

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Section: Propertymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Propertymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mechanics of dielectric elastomers: materials, structures, and devices

Qian

2016

JZUS-A

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“…Due to limitations of space and their potential for anisotropic structuring, we focus on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) as a synthetic analogue for muscle. However, the reader is directed to further reviews for more information on EAPs and related systems [40][41][42].…”

Section: Skeletal Muscle-active Contractionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

2016

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Shape-changing materials open an entirely new solution space for a wide range of disciplines: from architecture that responds to the environment and medical devices that unpack inside the body, to passive sensors and novel robotic actuators. While synthetic shape-changing materials are still in their infancy, studies of biological morphing materials have revealed key paradigms and features which underlie efficient natural shape-change. Here, we review some of these insights and how they have been, or may be, translated to artificial solutions. We focus on soft matter due to its prevalence in nature, compatibility with users and potential for novel design. Initially, we review examples of natural shape-changing materials-skeletal muscle, tendons and plant tissues-and compare with synthetic examples with similar methods of operation. Stimuli to motion are outlined in general principle, with examples of their use and potential in manufactured systems. Anisotropy is identified as a crucial element in directing shape-change to fulfil designed tasks, and some manufacturing routes to its achievement are highlighted. We conclude with potential directions for future work, including the simultaneous development of materials and manufacturing techniques and the hierarchical combination of effects at multiple length scales.

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“…Because electroactive polymers (EAPs) have properties similar to a natural muscle, they are commonly referred to as artificial muscles. One type of electrostatically actuated EAP, the dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), combines large displacements and high energy density (3.4 MJ.m −3 for 3 M VHB acrylic elastomers) with low energy consumption, only dissipating power when moving [1,2]. High voltages are required, generally several kilovolts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfabrication and characterization of an array of dielectric elastomer actuators generating uniaxial strain to stretch individual cells

Akbari¹,

Shea²

2012

J. Micromech. Microeng.

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Cells regulate their behavior in response to mechanical strains. Cell cultures to study mechanotransuction are typically cm 2 in area, far too large to monitor single cell response. We have developed an array of dielectric elastomer microactuators as a tool to study mechanotransduction of individual cells. The array consists of 72 100 μm × 200 μm electroactive polymer actuators which expand uniaxially when a voltage is applied. Single cells will be attached on each actuator to study their response to periodic mechanical strains. The device is fabricated by patterning compliant microelectrodes on both sides of a 30 μm thick polydimethylsiloxane membrane, which is bonded to a Pyrex chip with 200 μm wide trenches. Low-energy metal ion implantation is used to make stretchable electrodes and we demonstrate here the successful miniaturization of such ion-implanted electrodes. The top electrode covers the full membrane area, while the bottom electrodes are 100 μm wide parallel lines, perpendicular to the trenches. Applying a voltage between the top and bottom electrodes leads to uniaxial expansion of the membrane at the intersection of the bottom electrodes and the trenches. To characterize the in-plane strain, an array of 4 μm diameter aluminum dots is deposited on each actuator. The position of each dot is tracked, allowing displacement and strain profiles to be measured as a function of voltage. The uniaxial strain reaches 4.7% at 2.9 kV with a 0.2 s response time, sufficient to stimulate most cells with relevant biological strains and frequencies.

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Advances in Dielectric Elastomers for Actuators and Artificial Muscles

Cited by 1,280 publications

References 303 publications

Mechanics of dielectric elastomers: materials, structures, and devices

Mechanics of dielectric elastomers: materials, structures, and devices

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

Microfabrication and characterization of an array of dielectric elastomer actuators generating uniaxial strain to stretch individual cells

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