Anisotropic Carbon Fibre Electrodes for Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

Abstract:
Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) exhibit many attractive properties, which make them a core research field in soft robotics. A conventional DEA consists of a thin pre-stretched elastomer film sandwiched between two compliant electrodes. Actuation is achieved by applying a high voltage to the electrodes, thus creating an electric field that results in Maxwell pressure and, therefore, deformation of the elastomer. State-of-the-art soft robot approaches mostly rely on carbon-based electrodes, like carbon black or carbon nanotube particles dispersed in silicone or grease. In this work a different approach is presented - a highly anisotropic electrode based on unidirectional carbon fiber non-crimp fabric. This material not only serves as an electrical conductor but additionally allows to manipulate the mechanical properties of the actuator. To investigate the influence of these electrodes and to demonstrate their advantages, a conventional linear DEA is compared to a DEA with carbon fiber-based electrodes.