PVDF-based ferroelectric polymers and dielectric elastomers for sensor and actuator applications: A review

Abstract

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are materials that respond to electrical stimulation by exhibiting significantly large strains (to a maximum of a few hundred %) and vice versa. Thanks to their unique behaviors, EAPs have been widely and increasingly applied for sensing and actuating applications. EAPs are a promising material with many attractive properties such as fast electromechanical response, high mechanical and chemical stability, flexibility, low modulus, high strain capabilities, and shape adaptability. These features make them attractive for innovative applications such as wearable fabric sensors for IoT products and artificial muscles as biofriendly actuators. In this article, we have presented a brief overview of electronic EAPs, especially PVDFbased materials, dielectric elastomers such as silicone and acrylic materials for sensors and actuators by focusing on their operation mechanisms and applications.