Dielectric elastomer actuators based on stretchable and self-healable hydrogel electrodes

Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) based on dielectric elastomer holds promising applications in soft robotics. Compliant electrodes with large stretchability and high electrical conductivity are the vital components for the DEAs. In this study, a type of DEA was developed using carbon nanotube/polyvinyl alcohol (CNT/PVA) hydrogel electrodes. The CNT/PVA hydrogel electrodes demonstrate a stretchability up to 200% with a small relative resistance change of ~1.2, and a self-healing capability. The areal strain of the DEA based on the CNT/PVA hydrogel electrodes is more than 40%, much higher than the ones based on pure PVA electrodes.

基于介电弹性体的介电弹性体驱动器（Dielectric Elastomer Actuator, DEA）在软体机器人领域拥有极具潜力的应用前景。具备高拉伸性与优良导电性的柔性电极是介电弹性体驱动器的核心关键部件。本研究采用碳纳米管/聚乙烯醇（CNT/PVA）水凝胶电极开发了一款介电弹性体驱动器。该CNT/PVA水凝胶电极可实现高达200%的拉伸率，且相对电阻变化仅约1.2，同时具备自修复能力。基于该CNT/PVA水凝胶电极的介电弹性体驱动器其面应变可达40%以上，远高于纯聚乙烯醇电极制备的同类驱动器。