Characteristic evaluation of dielectric elastomer actuator based on the stretchable electrode density

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have a high energy density and low power consumption. The development of DEAs operating characteristics may greatly contribute to the development of the next generation of soft actuators. In the previous works, we reported a brushing method to fabricate ideal stretchable electrodes for DEA using Carbon nanotube (CNT) powders. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the characteristics of the DEA and the density of the CNT as a stretchable electrode. When the electrode density was low, the increasing area due to the DEAs actuation cause the electrode resistance to elevate steeply. The increase in this electric resistance indicates the degradation of the network connection between the CNTs. In the case of a low density of CNT, the plane stress of DEAs against voltage increment became smaller. As a result, higher voltages can be applied. Currently, we succeeded in restraining the displacement of the DEAs in response to voltage changes. This technique is intended to finely control the deformation of the DEA in regard to the voltage change. Therefore, our technology has the potential contribution to an area where fine control of actuators is required, such as motion control and position control.