In‐plane actuation performance of graphene oxide filled VHB 4910 dielectric elastomer

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of solid fillers on optical, electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical actuation behavior of VHB 4910 elastomer is inadequate, possibly due to readiness as a foam tape that makes the filler reinforcement a challenging work. VHB 4910 is modified by filling graphene oxide (GO) particles to realize the influences on material behavior towards actuator applications. The elastomer samples are ultrasonicated, swollen then thermochemically cured in GO dispersed; deionized‐water, trimethylolpropane trimethylacrylate (TMPTMA) and toluene to prepare three different filled‐elastomers. Material modification is confirmed by analyzing optical micrograph, and FTIR spectra. Whereas, dielectric constant and Young's modulus are assessed to ensure the feasibility of modified elastomers for electromechanical actuation strain. Amongst the three, GO‐TMPTMA filled‐elastomer samples are considered to test electromechanical actuation using an in‐house designed diaphragm actuator. Results showed enhanced in‐plane actuation performance and electrical breakdown strength, dependent on the curing time and prestrain. This work may strengthen the future strategies of making VHB 4910‐composite for dielectric elastomer actuator based electromechanical devices.