Fiber-Format Dielectric Elastomer Actuators by the Meter

Dielectric elastomers in the shape of thin films are heavily investigated, but they do not produce beneficial strains and forces comparable to that of skeletal muscles without entailing extremely complicated fabrication processes, rendering their practical use limited. Here, a silicone elastomer fiber is reported that can be produced by the meter and turned into an actuator by a simple process entailing the injection of an ionic liquid as the inner electrode and dipping in an ionogel to form the outer electrode. The fibers range from 174 to 439 µm in outer diameter with wall thicknesses from 62 to 108 µm and can be produced by the meter with regular diameter and thickness. The mechanical properties of the fibers are unaffected by the electrodes and actuation strains of 10% can be achieved, in both dry and wet environments. The fiber actuator can be bundled to mimic human skeletal muscle bundles or used in folded configurations, rendering it ideal as a building block for macroscopic actuators that can be used for many products such as body-compliant actuators and wearables.