• Composites Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2014

The actuation performance of an EADE (Electro-active dielectric elastomer) is studied as functions of thinner content, thickness and types of the dielectric elastomer such as natural (NR), acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR), and silicon (KE-12) rubbers. With a decrease in elastomer thickness ($1{\rightarrow}0.5{\rightarrow}0.25{\rightarrow}0.1{\rightarrow}0.05$ mm) and an increase in thinner content ($0{\rightarrow}30{\rightarrow}50$ phr), the actuating displacement of KE-12 elastomer is increased, however their breakdown occurs at low voltage. For the same thickness (1 mm), the displacement of KE-12 elastomer shows a higher value (2.24 mm) compared to that of NR or NBR at the same applied voltage of 25 kV. The KE-12 has the lowest elastic modulus and the NBR has the highest one among the tested elastomers. However, the displacement of NBR elastomer is higher compared to that of NR because of high dielectric constant. It is found that the important factors of EADE actuator are a thickness, modulus and dielectric constant of the elastomer.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.247-264
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• 2024

Recent advances in electro-active polymer (EAP) actuators, owing to their flexibility, lightweight, and simple fabrication process, have showcased their high utility across various fields such as soft robotics, biomimetics, wearable devices, and haptic technologies. Moreover, EAP actuators are evolving into smart devices with new functions and characteristics through the integration of functional materials and innovative technologies. This paper categorizes EAPs into ionic EAPs and electronic EAPs. Ionic EAPs include, most notably, ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and conducting polymers (CPs), while electronic EAPs encompass dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), ferroelectric polymer actuators, and the recently introduced hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators. Detailed explanations based on the latest research are provided concerning the mechanism, structure, performance improvement strategies, methods for adding functionality, and application areas for each type of actuator.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1497-1502
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• 2012

To manufacture a robot hand that essentially mimics the functions of a human hand, it is necessary to develop flexible actuators and sensors. In this study, we propose the design, manufacture, and performance verification of flexible actuators and sensors based on Electro Active Polymer (EAP). EAP is fabricated as a type of film, and it moves with changes in the voltage because of contraction and expansion in the polymer film. Furthermore, if a force is applied to an EAP film, its thickness and effective area change, and therefore, the capacitance also changes. By using this mechanism, we produce capacitive actuators and sensors. In this study, we propose an EAP-based capacitive sensor and evaluate its use as a robot hand sensor.

• Composites Research
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.242-247
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• 2014

The fabrication of flexible electrodes coated on the surface of a dielectric elastomer film, which is a type of electroactive polymer (EAP), was carried out. Controlled amounts of Xylitol powder were added (10, 30, 50 and 70 wt%) to the commercial conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS) to enhance resilience of the electrode. To check resilience of the fabricated composite electrodes, tensile tests were carried out using silicone films coated with the polymer electrodes. From the test results, it was found that 70 wt% Xylitol containing conductive polymer had excellent elongation and high failure strains. Furthermore, surface of the silicone film was uniformly polished with various abrading papers to enhance the wettability of the conductive polymers on the surface of the silicone film. It was found that the silicone film polished with #120 abrading paper had the best wettability and guaranteed excellent bonding behavior.

• Composites Research
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.211-215
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• 2019

The cell culture process under in vitro condition is much different from the actual human body environment. Therefore, in order to precisely simulate the human body environment, a dynamic cell culture device capable of delivering mechanical stimulation to cells is essential. However, conventional dynamic cell culture devices require relatively complicated devices such as tubes, pumps, and motors, and the mechanical stimuli delivered is also simple. In this study, an electro-active polymer actuator as a driving component is introduced to design simply driven dynamic cell culture device without complicated components. The device is capable of delivering relatively complex mechanical stimuli to the cells.