Development of an Apparatus for the Introduction of Biaxial Strain in Thin Polymer Films

Abstract

The Tailored Polymers Group DRDC Atlantic is involved in the development of dielectric polymer actuators. As part of this research effort, the effect of orientation on the polymer properties will be investigated. This requires the design and fabrication of an apparatus to introduce biaxial strains into thin polymer films. This report describes the work by Martec Limited to design and build such an apparatus. The design allows for strains between 100% and 500% to be applied with the amount of strain controlled by the initial gage length of the specimens. The apparatus allows the strain in the polymer to be maintained after the applied load has been removed. Initial testing showed that the device is capable of introducing and maintaining biaxial strain in two polymer dielectric materials. The maximum strain produced during initial testing was 108.8%, however this was limited by the properties of the supplied materials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA436316

Entities

People

  • Ken Mackay

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Actuators
  • Canada
  • Classification
  • Contracts
  • Dielectric Polymers
  • Dielectric Properties
  • Dielectrics
  • Displacement
  • Fabrication
  • Fasteners
  • Films
  • Materials
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Polymeric Films
  • Polymers
  • Thin Films

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Software Engineering