The Influence of Static Pre-stretching on the Mechanical Ageing of Filled Silicone Rubbers for Dielectric Elastomer Applications

• Main Authors: Shamsul, Zakaria, Yu, Liyun, Kofod, Guggi, Skov, Anne Ladegaard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2015
• Subjects: QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/12476/1/The%20Influence%20Of%20Static%20Pre-Stretching%20On%20The%20Mechanical%20Ageing%20Of%20Filled%20Silicone%20Rubbers%20For%20Dielectric%20Elastomer%20Applications.pdf; http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/12476/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2015.08.002
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Pahang

Abstract Dielectric elastomer (DE) pre-stretching is a key aspect of attaining better actuation performance, as it helps prevent electromechanical instability (EMI) and usually lowers the Young's modulus, thus leading to easier deformation. The pre-stretched {DE} is not only susceptible to a high risk of tearing and the formation of mechanical defects, but films with sustained and substantial strain may also experience mechanical degradation. In this study a long-term mechanical reliability study of {DE} is performed. Young's moduli, dielectric breakdown strengths and dielectric permittivities of commercial silica-reinforced silicone elastomers, with and without an additional 35 (35 phr) of titanium dioxide (TiO2), were investigated after being subjected to pre-stretching for various timespans at pre-stretches to strains of 60 and 120, respectively. The study shows that mechanical stability when pre-stretching is difficult to achieve with highly filled elastomers. However, despite the negative outlook for metal oxide-filled silicone elastomers, the study paves the way for reliable dielectric elastomers by indicating that simply post-curing silicone elastomers before use may increase reliability.