Dielectric composite with reinforced elastomer and integrated electrode

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structuredfolds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 microns. The dielectric elastomeric composites may be used, for example, in dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and in energy harvesting.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to dielectric composites, and more particularly, to dielectric elastomer composites having integrated electrodes, elastomeric materials, and retentive processing layers. Background technique [0002] Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have potential in various applications. However, technical challenges still need to be overcome before a reliable product can be produced commercially. One challenge is to produce thin elastomeric films (eg, 100 μm thick or less) for DEA applications with driving voltages significantly below 2000 volts, or even below 600 volts. To achieve such voltages, elastomeric films with thicknesses less than 50 μm need to be reliably fabricated without defects and able to be manipulated downstream. Such elastomers are often difficult to manufacture and not easy to handle in roll-to-roll processing. Therefore, these materials may require the use of less than optimal batch processing tech...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such elastomers are often difficult to manufacture and not easy to handle in roll-to-roll processing

Therefore, these materials may require the use of less than optimal batch processing techniques

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