The Current State of Silicone-Based Dielectric Elastomer Transducers

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewpeer-review

3053 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Silicone elastomers are promising materials for dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs) due to their superior properties such as high efficiency, reliability and fast response times. DETs consist of thin elastomer films sandwiched between compliant electrodes, and they consti- tute an interesting class of transducer due to their inherent lightweight and potentially large strains. For the field to progress towards industrial implementation, a leap in material devel- opment is required, specifically targeting longer lifetime and higher energy densities to provide more efficient transduction at lower driving voltages. In this review, the current state of sili- cone elastomers for DETs is summarised and critically discussed, including commercial elastomers, composites, polymer blends, grafted elastomers and complex network structures. For future developments in the field it is essential that all aspects of the elastomer are taken into account, namely dielectric losses, life- time and the very often ignored polymer network integrity and stability.
Original languageEnglish
JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications
Volume37
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)378-413
ISSN1022-1336
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Current State of Silicone-Based Dielectric Elastomer Transducers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this