Electroactive Polymers for Smart Skin Applications
Abstract
This program investigated the micro structure-properties relationship in the newly discovered high performance electroactive polymers: high energy irradiated P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers and P(VDF-TrFE) based terpolymers. The uniqueness of this class of new electroactive polymers is: (i) a high electric field induced strain with very little hysteresis; (ii) the material also exhibits a very high elastic energy density (^1 J/cu cm); (iii) the high frequency capability of the strain response (>100 kHz). Although many electroactive materials have been reported, this class of material is still the only one which can be applied to practical devices. The understanding of the fundamentals responsible for the large electromechanical responses in this class of polymers will provide interesting science on how defect structures affect the ferroelectric properties in polymers. Such an understanding will also lead to new directions to better control the material properties. In addition, in this program we also investigate new approaches to significantly improve the dielectric properties of polymers so that the new electroactive polymers can be operated with low applied field and voltage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396202
Entities
People
- Qiming Zhang
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University