Novel pre-strain method for dielectric electroactive polymers

Newell, Brittany; Krutz, Gary W.; Stewart, Frank; Pascal, Kevin

doi:10.1117/12.2220098

Cited by 3 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Furthermore, this procedure utilized the same polymer material for both the conductive layer and the dielectric layer, providing a higher level of consistency in actuator movement. In order to complete this combined manufacturing step, a mixture of the fluoropolymer material doped with conductive particles, Graphite Powdered Lubricant from MCM Electronics, and the pre-strain agent, MEK was applied to the surface of the dielectric fluoropolymer material [23][24][25]28,29]. This led to selective pre-strain in only the active region where the conductive material is present.…”

Section: Experimental Samples: Addition Of a Conductive Layermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The structures were left in the fume hood for 12 h to ensure full removal of the solvent. After this time, the samples were heat cured [23][24][25]. Copper foil tape with conductive adhesive purchased from McMaster-Carr Inc. (Elmhurst, IL, USA) were cut to approximately 10 mm in width, and placed on the top and bottom of the samples for testing.…”

Section: Experimental Samples: Addition Of a Conductive Layermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recorded measurements were calibrated to a 0 mm initial starting point. Data was recorded every millisecond for one minute [23,24]. The effect of geometry and voltage was tested.…”

Section: Experimental Samples: Displacement Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, this provides a significant challenge in real world manufacturing, since this mechanical pre-strain must be maintained throughout all subsequent processes and in application. Therefore, an alternative method, chemical pre-strain was investigated [23][24][25].…”

Section: Experimental Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…During the intercalation process, the fluoropolymer material expanded in the x, y, and z directions. These dimensional changes were measured using a standard ruler before, during, and after induced strain [23,24].…”

Section: Experimental Samples: Chemical Pre-strainmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dielectric Electroactive Polymers with Chemical Pre-Strain: An Experimentally Validated Model

2018

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Dielectric electroactive polymer materials represent a distinct group of smart materials that are capable of converting between electrical and mechanical energy. This research focuses on the modeling and testing of an industrial grade fluoropolymer material for its feasibility as a dielectric elastomer electroactive polymer. Through this process, a novel chemical pre-strain method was tested, along with a one-step process for application of pre-strain and addition of an elastomer conductive layer. Modeled and experimental actuators produced approximately 1 mm displacements with 0.625 W of electrical power. The displacement of the actuators was characterized, and the effects of multiple parameters were modeled and analyzed.

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Section: Experimental Samples: Addition Of a Conductive Layermentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Experimental Samples: Addition Of a Conductive Layermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The recorded measurements were calibrated to a 0 mm initial starting point. Data was recorded every millisecond for one minute [23,24]. The effect of geometry and voltage was tested.…”

Section: Experimental Samples: Displacement Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Experimental Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Experimental Samples: Chemical Pre-strainmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dielectric Electroactive Polymers with Chemical Pre-Strain: An Experimentally Validated Model

2018

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Effects of recycling on polystyrene shape memory polymers for in-situ resource utilization

Nelson,

Siwakoti,

Cardon

et al. 2023

Smart Mater. Struct.

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One-way, thermoplastic shape memory polymers (SMPs) used as actuators for self-folding origami are typically single-use materials that would be decommissioned upon completion of mission objectives. As a result, there exists an abundance of unutilized, single-use SMP waste. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and recycling offer solutions for the use and integration of sustainable SMP material infrastructures on Earth and for long-duration space missions. Unfortunately, mechanical recycling causes degradation of material properties. Therefore, it is imperative to quantify the effects of recycling on SMP properties. Herein, we utilize a thermo-mechanical recycling method applied to polystyrene (PS) SMPs. After recycling, we conduct Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to investigate changes to the chemical structure, viscoelastic properties, and shape recovery response of the polymer. The results indicate negligible changes to the viscoelastic and shape recovery properties of the recycled material from one to six recycling sequences (extrusions) when compared to the non-recycled material. The most evident form of deterioration occurred in the physical appearance of the material. Otherwise, the shape recovery performance and thermo-mechanical properties remained consistent after recycling. Therefore, the recovery characteristics (recovery ratio, recovery time, and actuation stress) do not change significantly after 6 recycling sequences, making this material viable for ISRU applications in space environments.

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