An investigation into the electrical breakdown characteristics of cellulose based electro-active paper

Abstract

Cellulose Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) has been reported as a new smart material that can be used as sensors and actuators. This material is attractive due to its advantages of biodegradable, lightweight, dryness, large displacement output, low actuation voltage and low power consumption. Its actuation principle has been known as a combination of ion migration and piezoelectric effects. Although extensive investigations have been made on mechanical properties, chemical and physical characteristics, the electrical properties have not been studied. This paper presents an investigation into the electrical breakdown strength of EAPap, which is important for determining the electric field limit for EAPap actuator. AC dielectric breakdown strength is measured with different humidity levels, according to ASTM standard. The measured data are statistically analyzed and it was found that failures associated with the formative stages of a breakdown mechanism might result in Weibull Statistics. As the humidity of the sample increases, the stress levels on cellulosic portions of the sample are enhanced, leading lower breakdown strength. This investigation will give an insight in understanding EAPap material.