Electroactive Polymer Chemical Strain and Conductive Polymer Layers

Electroactive polymers (EAP) are polymers that change size or shape when activated by an electric field. EAPs behave similarly to artificial muscles and have many applications as actuators or sensors in robotics and devices such as microfluidic pumps and optical membranes. During manufacturing, these materials need to be stressed, usually mechanically or thermally, in order to improve their strain behavior in the final application. These processes add additional cost and complexity to the manufacturing process.

Purdue University researchers have developed a novel chemical process that can be used to prestrain a wide range of EAP materials. This process simplifies and greatly improves the manufacturability of EAPs, making them durable, flexible, and in constant contact with the circuit. EAPs have many applications in mechanical systems and medical devices.

Advantages:

-Simplifies manufacturing

-Creates durable polymers

Potential Applications:

-Mechanical systems

-Medical devices

TRL: 5

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Electroactive polymers, EAP, artificial muscles, actuators, sensors, chemical prestraining, simplified manufacturing, robotics, medical devices, flexible polymers, Materials and Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Sensors & Actuators, Polymers, Seals, Sensors