Pre-strain in Dielectric Elastomer Actuator; Challenges Towards Structure–Property Relationship

Abstract

Since the last two decades, pre-strain remained proficient techniques to enhance actuation performance of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). However, the influences of pre-strain on properties of elastomer are widely explored. But their co-relation with (macro)molecular structures is lacking in the literature, which give a path to control the properties of dielectric elastomer. Here, the attributions to pre-strain imposed change in electromechanical properties of VHB 4910 elastomer are discussed well and the modification in molecular structure is also shown. A significant change in infrared spectra is observed, and the emergence of new bonds is co-related well with the physical phenomenon of strain hardening. The result may be helpful to transform the structural integrity and to improve material properties for highly efficient electromechanical actuation.