Berlin 2015 – scientific programme
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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik
CPP 13: Focus: Field Controllable Functional Polymers II
CPP 13.12: Talk
Monday, March 16, 2015, 18:15–18:30, C 264
Tuning elastomer membranes: Materials design and electrical stability of acrylic and silicone elastomers — •Matthias Kollosche1, Martin Blümke2, Gunnar Gideon1, Miriam Biederman2, Hartmut Krüger2, and Reimund Gerhard1 — 1Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Universitiy of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany — 2Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research Fraunhofer IAP, Potsdam, Germany
Soft dielectrics are sensitive to multiple stimuli, such as changes in e.g.temperature or pH value, and to control parameters such as mechanical stretch or electrostatic pressure. The latter two mechanisms are employed in Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) - capacitors that consist of an elastomer sandwiched between two compliant electrodes. Many researchers have focused on the optimization of dielectric-elastomer and conductive-electrode materials with particular emphasis on higher permittivities, lower elastic compliances, and higher electric-breakdown strength as well as on high electrode conductivities and stretchability. Nevertheless, the stability and the durability have not yet been studied in detail. Here soft dielectric materials such as the industrial acrylic (3M, VHB 4905) and silicone (Wacker, Elastosil) elastomers are compared to specifically modified silicones with enhanced permittivity and reduced stiffness. The resulting transducers are characterized without and with pre-stretch over relatively long periods of time and under high electric fields. Results will be discussed in terms of durability and failure mechanisms of the materials under investigation for possible use in advanced elasto-optical devices.