Abstract: An actuator includes a first bending portion having a first electrode layer, a first electrolyte layer on a first surface of the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer in contact with the first electrolyte layer; and a second bending portion having the first electrode layer, a second electrolyte layer on a second surface of the first electrode layer, the second surface facing the first surface, and a third electrode layer in contact with the second electrolyte layer, in which the first surface of the first electrode layer includes a region where the first electrolyte layer is not arranged, the second surface of the first electrode layer includes a region where the second electrolyte layer is not arranged, the first bending portion is adjacent to the second bending portion, and the bending direction of the first bending portion is opposite to the bending direction of the second bending portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a transducer for converting between mechanical and electrical energies. The transducer comprises an EAP laminate with a layer of an elastomer material arranged between two electrode layers, each electrode layer comprising a second layer of a plastically deformable material, e.g. metal or a thermoplastic material, and a third layer of an electrically conductive material. Due to the layer of plastically deformable material, the electrode layers can be shaped into various shapes which can provide anisotropic characteristics of the transducer.

Abstract: [Object] There has been a need for a composite piezoelectric body and a composite piezoelectric element using the composite piezoelectric body which does not cause electrode defects, disconnection, and peeling even if the piezoelectric body is subjected to fine-pitch processing. [Solution] A composite piezoelectric body of the present invention includes a piezoelectric ceramic and an organic polymer material containing air bubbles mixed therein, wherein among surfaces of the piezoelectric ceramic and the organic polymer material on which an electrode is to be formed, an insulating layer is formed on the entire or a portion of the surface of the organic polymer material on which the electrode is to be formed.

Abstract: Novel applications of electroactive polymer materials, particularly of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC). Such applications include manipulators with combined electromechanical and electroactive actuators. Applications are particularly suitable in low gravity environment.

Abstract: Actuator elements can be used for mechatronic, adaptive applications under the most varied conditions of use. These actuator elements have improved properties and can be manufactured inexpensively. The actuator elements are formed with at least one dielectric separation layer which is encompassed by two electrically conductive electrodes. The electrodes and the separation layer are in this respect formed using the same visco-elastically deformable plastic. The plastic forms a matrix in which carbon nanotubes are embedded at least in the electrodes.

Abstract: Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid.

Abstract: An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix, a plurality of carbon nanotubes and a plurality of reinforcing particles dispersed in the flexible polymer matrix. The carbon nanotubes cooperatively form an electrically conductive network in the flexible polymer matrix.

Abstract: A dielectric material for a polymeric actuator having a moveable part of the polymeric actuator driven by an electric field, the dielectric material containing a block copolymer (A) having a microphase-separated structure including a polymer block (B1) and a polymer block (B2), both of which are immiscible with each other. A main compositional unit in both of the polymer block (B1) and the polymer block (B2) is a (meth)acrylic ester unit, the polymer block (B1) having an alpha-dispersion temperature of 70° C. or more, and the polymer block (B2) having an alpha-dispersion temperature of 25° C. or less. The polymeric actuator provides the dielectric material between electrodes.

Abstract: An electro-polymer motor comprising a fixed member and a first actuator having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end is presented. The first actuator comprises a polymer positioned between two electrodes. The electrodes are in communication with a power supply. The motor also comprises a driven member comprising a first leg and a second leg such that the first leg and the second leg are separated by an axis. The driven member is fixedly connected to the second end of the first actuator. The motor also comprises a compressible member having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end fixedly connected to the second leg of the driven member. The compressible member is spaced apart from the first actuator. The first actuator elongates after the power supply applies a voltage across the electrodes to move the driven member.

Abstract: An actuator includes: an ion conductive polymer layer including an ion conductive polymer; a pair of electrode layers disposed on both surfaces of the ion conductive polymer layer; and an ionic liquid contained in the ion conductive polymer layer and the electrode layers; wherein the electrode layers contain at least an ion conductive polymer and carbon powder, and kinds of carbon powders included on an inside and an outside of the electrode layers are different from each other.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator includes an ion-conductive polymer layer made of a first ion-conductive polymer, a pair of electrode layers provided one on each side of the ion-conductive polymer layer and made of a second ion-conductive polymer and conductive powder, and ions contained in the ion-conductive polymer layer and electrode layers. The first and second ion-conductive polymers differ in functional group type from each other.

Abstract: Compositions and devices for harvesting electrical energy from mechanical and thermal energy, storing such produced energy, and sensing strain based on low cost materials and processes. In embodiments, the compositions are flexible and include a flexible polymer embedded and coated with a nanostructured piezoelectric material.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.

Abstract: A graphene power-mill system is provided, including a graphene sheet configured for generating electrical charges on both sides, a graphene sheet holder configured for engaging and holding the graphene sheet on a first side, a groove provided on the first side of the graphene sheet holder, and a graphene pusher or bender configured for pushing and releasing a portion of the graphene sheet into the groove. the graphene pusher or bender has a shape fitting the groove, and the graphene sheet recovers to be flat after removing the graphene pusher or bender from the groove. The graphene sheet can comprise graphene layers and one or more polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layers stacked alternatingly. Both sides of the stacked graphene layers can be connected in parallel electrically.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensing device is described for measuring material thickness of target such as pipes, tubes, and other conduits that carry fluids. The piezoelectric sensing device comprises a substrate such as a flexible circuit material, a piezoceramic element, and a solder layer disposed therebetween. These features are arranged in manner that provides a low-profile measurement device suitable for high-temperature applications such as those applications in which the temperature exceeds 120° C. Embodiments of the piezoelectric sensing device can be configured for use as stand-alone units separately located on the target or for use as a string of sensing elements coupled together by way of the flexible circuit material.

Abstract: A polymer actuator includes: a pair of electrode layers made of an ionic liquid, a polymer, and carbon nanoparticles; and an electrolyte layer provided between the pair of electrode layers, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are a mixture of carbon nanotubes (hereinafter, referred to as CNTs) and carbon nanohorns (hereinafter, referred to as CNHs), a ratio by weight of the carbon nanoparticles to the total weight of the ionic liquid, the polymer, and the carbon nanoparticles contained in the pair of electrodes is equal to or higher than 25 wt % and equal to or lower than 80 wt %, a mixing ratio of the CNTs to the CNHs contained in the carbon particles is in a range of (CNT):(CNH)=1:1 to 3:1, and a ratio by weight of the polymer is equal to or higher than 17.7 wt % and equal to or lower than 30.2 wt %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible energy conversion device, comprising a first flexible substrate, a transparent electrode disposed on the first flexible substrate, a first nanostructure disposed on the transparent electrode and comprising a transition metal oxide or semi-metal oxide, a second nanostructure disposed on the first nanostructure, a second flexible substrate disposed on the second nanostructure, and a sealing layer for sealing the first flexible substrate an the second flexible substrate. A method of manufacturing the flexible energy conversion device is also provided.

Abstract: First and second actuators where positive electrodes and negative electrodes are disposed on cylindrical electrostrictive polymers are disposed so as to face each other via a fixing member, a blade inserted into the first actuator is provided on the fixing member, and the blade is ultrasonically vibrated via the fixing member by driving one of the first and second actuators in a stretching and shrinking manner and driving the other in a stretching manner in synchronization with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymer transducers configured for surface mode deformation to provide thickness mode actuation. The inventive transducers may find use in various applications, including but not limited to haptic feedback for user interface devices (e.g., key buttons, key pads, touch pads, touch screens, touch plates, touch sensors, etc.), fluid movement and control mechanism such as pumps and valves, breaking and clutch mechanisms, power generation, sensing, etc.

Abstract: In a light-transmitting vibration unit and the module thereof, which the vibration unit comprises a first and a second substrates stacked sequentially with each other, and made of a conductive polymer material, such that both first and second substrates have light transmittance and uniform resistance, and after a vibration driven component is electrically coupled to the first and second substrates, an electric field will be acted for converting electric energy into mechanical energy to produce vibrations. If the vibration unit is coupled directly to a touch-sensitive display unit, an image displayed by the touch-sensitive display unit will be able to pass through the vibration unit, and the vibrations produced by the vibration unit will be more directly transmitted to a touch object.

Abstract: A polymer actuator device includes an electrolyte layer, a pair of electrode layers that are provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte layer in a thickness direction of the electrolyte layer, a polymer actuator that is bent when a voltage is applied between the pair of electrode layers, and terminal parts that apply a voltage to the polymer actuator. The polymer actuator includes a deformable portion and a supported portion. A conductive porous member is interposed between a first electrode layer, which is positioned on the side of the supported portion of the polymer actuator corresponding to a negative electrode, and the terminal part.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. The devices include pumps, valves, cameras (where electroactive polymer actuators control either one or both of zoom and focus), vibrators (for inclusion in cell phones, game console controls, etc.) and audio speakers. These devices advantageously incorporate the actuator configurations described. The devices generally incorporate a diaphragm-type actuation having a central section of material that is less flexible than adjacent material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element including a plurality of stacked piezoelectric sheets, wherein the stretching axis of a first piezoelectric sheet and the stretching axis of a second piezoelectric sheet of the plurality of piezoelectric sheets are oriented in different directions from each other. Preferably, the stretching axis of the first piezoelectric sheet and the stretching axis of the second piezoelectric sheet are intersected at an angle of 90 degrees.

Abstract: A polymeric actuator controller includes: a polymeric actuator that has a first electrode and a second electrode for applying electric energy to a polymeric portion and that displaces in accordance with applied electric energy; a potential difference reading unit that reads a potential difference that occurs between terminals of the first electrode and second electrode of the polymeric actuator; and a polymeric actuator driver circuit that applies the electric energy to the first electrode and second electrode of the polymeric actuator to drive the polymeric actuator. The polymeric actuator driver circuit and the potential difference reading unit form a closed loop. The polymeric actuator driver circuit varies the electric energy so that the potential difference read by the potential difference reading unit is maintained at a target potential value.

Abstract: In a sheet-type piezoelectric vibrator provided with a piezoelectric sheet made from a transparent organic polymer and electrodes formed on respective main surfaces that are opposite to each other of the piezoelectric sheet, an electrode material that is effectively used for making the vibrator colorless is provided. The first electrodes formed on one of the main surfaces of piezoelectric sheets are made of zinc oxide electrode layers, each mainly containing zinc oxide, and second electrodes formed on the other main surface of the piezoelectric sheets include polythiophene electrode layers made from a conductive polymer containing thiophene in a molecule structure thereof. Although the zinc oxide electrode layer is transparent, it is slightly yellowish, while, on the other hand, although the polythiophene electrode layer is also transparent, it is slightly bluish.

Abstract: A first conductive polymer film, a plate-shaped first porous member, a second conductive polymer film, and a plate-shaped second porous member are stacked on one another, and the adjacent members are connected with each other on first end portions so as to form a zigzag pattern. The first and second porous members each have an ionic solution injected thereinto so as to function as an electrolyte retention layer, so that operations can be carried out with tensions being always maintained upon both of the expansion and the contraction, and rigidity and a driving force can be exerted in both of the contracting and expanding directions.

Abstract: An actuator housing unit for a system of layered surfaces, comprising an activated primary surface having a physical shape capable of change when activated by an electrical, chemical, or light stimulus, to expand and exert force or pressure or contract and remove force or pressure, upon activation or deactivation, to move or keep matter within the housing by direct or indirect contact.

Abstract: An ion-conducting layer for an actuator element including (I) a fluorine-containing polymer having a functional group and (II) an ionic liquid. The functional group is selected from —OH, —COOH, —COOR, —CN, iodine atom, epoxy group and (meth)acryloyl group, and is contained in a side chain and/or at an end of a trunk chain of the fluorine-containing polymer. Also disclosed is an electrode layer including (I) the fluorine-containing polymer having a functional group, (II) an ionic liquid and (III) an electroconductive nano-filler. Also disclosed is an actuator element including the ion-conducting layer and at least two electrode layers formed on the surfaces of the ion-conducting layer and insulated from one another, in which flection or deformation can be caused by applying an electric potential between the electrode layers.

Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.

Abstract: An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a number of one dimensional conductive materials dispersed in the flexible polymer matrix. The flexible polymer matrix is a sheet. The one dimensional conductive materials cooperatively form an electrically conductive structure in the flexible polymer matrix. The one dimensional conductive materials are oriented substantially along a same preferred direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lithography include actuating an electroactive polymer member to position mask and/or substrate.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers are disclosed. They are biased in a manner that provides for increased force and/or stroke output, thereby offering improved work potential and power output capacity. The biasing may offer additional or alternate functional advantage in terms of matching transducer performance with a given application such as a normally-closed valve. The improved biasing (including increased output biasing) may utilize negative spring rate biasing and/or a combination of negative or zero-rate biasing with positive rate biasing to achieve the desired ends.

Abstract: An artificial neuromuscular unit (ANMU) network comprising: a plurality of ANMUs, wherein each ANMU comprises an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layer and a uniquely addressable EAP logic layer coupled to the actuator layer; a plurality of inert, non-ion-conducting and non-charge-conducting interfaces mechanically coupled between the ANMUs such that the actuator layer of each ANMU is insulated from the actuator layers and logic layers of the other ANMUs; an EAP common conductor layer coupled to the logic layer of each ANMU such that the logic layer of each ANMU is interposed between the common conductor layer and the corresponding actuator layer; and wherein the logic layer of each ANMU is configured to control the transfer of energy to and from the common conductor layer and the corresponding actuator layer.

Abstract: Transducers employing electroactive polymer films are disclosed. Such transducers include an open frame and at least two layers extending within the frame, where the layers form a concave shape.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer actuator including: an electrolyte layer; and a pair of electrodes provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte layer in the thickness direction, wherein the polymer actuator is deformed when a voltage is applied across the pair of electrodes, and wherein the polymer actuator includes a support portion and a deformation portion, and the gap between the electrodes in the support portion is larger than the gap between the electrodes in the deformation portion.

Abstract: An integrated sensory actuator (10) which uses an electroactive polymer is provided. The sensory actuator is comprised of an actuating member (12) made of an ionic polymer-metal composite; a sensing member (14) made of a piezoelectric material; and an insulating member (16) interposed between the actuating member and the sensing member. The sensory actuator may further include a compensation circuit adapted to receive a sensed signal from the sensing member and an actuation signal from the actuating member and compensate the sensed signal for feedthrough coupling between the actuating member and the sensing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods of harvesting and converting naturally occurring energy are described that include exposing a material to an ambient condition and harvesting at least a portion of energy that is created. Energy harvesting from fluidic and flow environments or vibration can be accomplished using types of energy harvesters, such as flexible polymers. Active materials or Electro-Active Polymer (EAP)-metal composite thin films like Ionic Polymers, Piezoceramic materials, and electromagnetic systems may be used as mechanical to electrical energy transducers. One type of an ionic EAP is ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC), which includes a base polymer membrane that may be coated with a metal to act as a surface electrode. The surface electrode may be silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticle functionalized IPMC can be used to convert mechanical vibrations and fluidic flow to electrical energy to power wireless devices and microelectronic systems, for example.

Abstract: An electroactive polymer transducer comprising a membrane formed of an approximately rectangular electroactive polymer portion surrounded by two electrodes, at least two points of the membrane being connected to rigid supports, and comprising at least one deformable element for limiting the deformations that the membrane may undergo, the limiting element having a meandering form and being connected to the membrane in several approximately distributed points.

Abstract: An actuator element formed from an actuator composition is described, along with transducers including the same. The composition comprises: (i) a thermoplastic elastomer copolymer, the copolymer comprising at least one flexible midblock, and at least two glassy or semicrystalline endblocks; and (ii) a liquid modifier that selectively solvates the at least one flexible midblock.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial neuromuscular unit (ANMU) comprising: an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layer; an EAP logic layer coupled to the actuator layer; an EAP energy layer coupled to the logic layer such that the logic layer is interposed between the energy layer and the actuator layer, wherein the logic layer is configured to control energy transfer between the energy layer and the actuator layer; and a sensor element operatively coupled to the actuator layer and the logic layer, wherein the sensor element is configured to communicate deflections of the actuator layer to the logic layer.

Abstract: A cladding (22) for a wall (12) includes a barrier layer (24) that can be deformed by the action of a polymer actuator (14). According to the invention, a contact surface (A) of the cladding lies completely against the wall, at least in the non-deformed state, stabilizing the intrinsically elastic wall cladding. For example, the wall cladding can be fixed to the wall (12) in the form of lamellae (22), at respective points, in such a way that the activation of the polymer actuator (14) causes the lamellae (22) to bend, thus permitting, for example, a layer (25) of ice to be detached from the cladding. Alternatively, the cladding can also be configured from a membrane actuator, which is fixed at points, or by its entire surface to the wall (12).

Abstract: Apparatus including layer of polarizable material located between first and second electrodes. Polarizable material has block copolymeric composition including elastomeric domain blocks and conductive domain blocks. Method that includes providing layer of polarizable material having block copolymeric composition including elastomeric domain blocks and conductive domain blocks, first and second electrodes being on opposite surfaces of the layer. Method also includes applying voltage differential between electrodes, causing dimension of layer to change.

Abstract: The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre-strained portion. One fabrication technique applies pre-strain to a partially cured electroactive polymer. The partially cured polymer is then further cured to stiffen and maintain the pre-strain. In another fabrication technique, a support layer is coupled to the polymer that maintains pre-strain in a portion of an electroactive polymer. Another embodiment of the invention cures a polymer precursor to maintain pre-strain in an electroactive polymer.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer constructions that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice versa are disclosed. The subject transducers (actuators, generators, sensors or combinations thereof) share the requirement of a frame or fixture element used in preloading elastomeric film electrodes and dielectric polymer in a desired configuration. The structures are either integrally biased in a push-pull arrangement or preloaded/biased by another element.

Abstract: An expandable medical balloon having at least one static state, at least one expanded state, and at least one deflated state, the expandable medical balloon including at least one active region, the at least one active region including electroactive polymer.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers are disclosed. They are biased in a manner that provides for increased force and/or stroke output, thereby offering improved work potential and power output capacity. The biasing may offer additional or alternate functional advantage in terms of matching transducer performance with a given application such as a normally-closed valve. The improved biasing (including increased output biasing) may utilize negative spring rate biasing and/or a combination of negative or zero-rate biasing with positive rate biasing to achieve the desired ends.

Abstract: An actuator includes a spirally rolled cylindrical sheet body. The sheet body is formed by attaching an electrode on each side of a dielectric elastomer layer. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the sheet body is contracted along the direction of its thickness, and expanded in directions perpendicular to its thickness. The actuator is actuated by applying a voltage to the electrodes and stopping the voltage application, so that the cylindrical sheet body is extended and contracted along the direction of the axis. The material forming the dielectric elastomer layer has a low strain region, where the value of a strain based on a stress acting on the dielectric elastomer layer varies from zero to a value that is greater than and close to zero, and a high strain region, where the value of the strain is greater than that in the low strain region. The Young's modulus in the low strain region is less than the Young's modulus in the high strain region.