Spray deposited multilayered dielectric elastomer actuators

Araromi, Oluwaseun A.; Conn, Andrew T.; Ling, CS; Rossiter, Jonathan; Vaidyanathan, Ravi; Burgess, SC

doi:10.1016/j.sna.2011.03.004

Cited by 65 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…With their process, which alternates between the application of a silicone layer by spin coating, the heat-activated cross linking of the silicone, and the subsequent deposition of the electrodes (figure 4), they have developed an efficient production method, which allows building actuators of up to 100 layers with a production time of 5 minutes per layer, thus demonstrating that carbon electrodes can also be used for larger scale and commercial applications. Araromi et al reported on a similar stacked actuator fabrication process with a sequence of silicone and electrode deposition by spray coating with an airbrush [42]. Because the dielectric layer is also sprayed, there is no need for a spin-coater, thus reducing the cost of the installation.…”

Section: Shadow Maskingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flexible and stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

2012

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Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are flexible lightweight actuators that can generate strains of over 100%. They are used in applications ranging from haptic feedback (mm-sized devices), to cm-scale soft robots, to meter-long blimps. DEAs consist of an electrode-elastomer-electrode stack, placed on a frame. Applying a voltage between the electrodes electrostatically compresses the elastomer, which deforms in-plane or out-of plane depending on design. Since the electrodes are bonded to the elastomer, they must reliably sustain repeated very large deformations while remaining conductive, and without significantly adding to the stiffness of the soft elastomer. The electrodes are required for electrostatic actuation, but also enable resistive and capacitive sensing of the strain, leading to self-sensing actuators. This review compares the different technologies used to make compliant electrodes for DEAs in terms of: impact on DEA device performance (speed, efficiency, maximum strain), manufacturability, miniaturization, the integration of self-sensing and selfswitching, and compatibility with low-voltage operation. While graphite and carbon black have been the most widely used technique in research environments, alternative methods are emerging which combine compliance, conduction at over 100% strain with better conductivity and/or ease of patternability, including microfabrication-based approaches for compliant metal thin-films, metal-polymer nano-composites, nanoparticle implantation, and reel-to-reel production of µm-scale patterned thin films on elastomers. Such electrodes are key to miniaturization, low-voltage operation, and widespread commercialization of DEAs.

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Section: Shadow Maskingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flexible and stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

2012

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“…By spraying uncured silicone onto an existing surface 3D silicone shapes can be formed. Using this method, dielectric elastomer actuators can be developed (Araromi et al, 2011). Additionally, this method can be incorporated into a 4D system in which silicone can be deposited to form a multilayered tubular system by forming layers onto of an air-permeable shaft, and this allows the development of inflatable balloon-like structures (Coulter and Ianakiev, 2015).…”

Section: D Printingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soft Manipulators and Grippers: A Review

et al. 2016

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Soft robotics is a growing area of research which utilizes the compliance and adaptability of soft structures to develop highly adaptive robotics for soft interactions. One area in which soft robotics has the ability to make significant impact is in the development of soft grippers and manipulators. With an increased requirement for automation, robotics systems are required to perform task in unstructured and not well defined environments; conditions which conventional rigid robotics are not best suited. This requires a paradigm shift in the methods and materials used to develop robots such that they can adapt to and work safely in human environments. One solution to this is soft robotics, which enables soft interactions with the surroundings while maintaining the ability to apply significant force. This review paper assesses the current materials and methods, actuation methods and sensors which are used in the development of soft manipulators. The achievements and shortcomings of recent technology in these key areas are evaluated, and this paper concludes with a discussion on the potential impacts of soft manipulators on industry and society.

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“…PDMS is also commercially available in variety of Young's moduli (10 2 kPa -10 2 MPa) and can be cast into thin films using a variety of methods [6][7] [8] , hence providing flexibility in design.…”

Section: Device Requirementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thin-film dielectric elastomer sensors to measure the contraction force of smooth muscle cells

et al. 2015

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The development of thin-film dielectric elastomer strain sensors for the characterization of smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction is presented here. Smooth muscle disorders are an integral part of diseases such as asthma and emphysema. Analytical tools enabling the characterization of SMC function i.e. contractile force and strain, in a low-cost and highly parallelized manner are necessary for toxicology screening and for the development of new and more effective drugs. The main challenge with the design of such tools is the accurate measurement of the extremely low contractile cell forces expected as a result of SMC monolayer contraction (as low as ~ 100 µN). Our approach utilizes ultrathin (~5 µm) and soft elastomer membranes patterned with elastomer-carbon composite electrodes, onto which the SMCs are cultured. The cell contraction induces an in-plane strain in the elastomer membrane, predicted to be in the order 1 %, which can be measured via the change in the membrane capacitance. The cell force can subsequently be deduced knowing the mechanical properties of the elastomer membrane. We discuss the materials and fabrication methods selected for our system and present preliminary results indicating their biocompatibility. We fabricate functional capacitive senor prototypes with good signal stability over the several hours (~ 0.5% variation). We succeed in measuring in-plane strains of 1 % with our fabricated devices with good repeatability and signal to noise ratio.

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Spray deposited multilayered dielectric elastomer actuators

Cited by 65 publications

References 9 publications

Flexible and stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

Flexible and stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

Soft Manipulators and Grippers: A Review

Thin-film dielectric elastomer sensors to measure the contraction force of smooth muscle cells

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