Open AccessPeano‐Hydraulically Amplified Self‐Healing Electrostatic Actuators Based on a Novel Bilayer Polymer Shell for Enhanced Strain, Load, and Rotary Motion
Author(s) -
Tian Ye,
Liu Junjie,
Wu Wenjie,
Liang Xianrong,
Pan Min,
Bowen Chris,
Jiang Yong,
Sun Jingyao,
McNally Tony,
Wu Daming,
Huang Yao,
Wan Chaoying
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced intelligent systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2640-4567
DOI - 10.1002/aisy.202100239
Subject(s) - materials science , actuator , electroactive polymers , bilayer , dielectric , soft robotics , artificial muscle , composite material , polymer , optoelectronics , engineering , electrical engineering , membrane , chemistry , biochemistry
The hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic actuator is an emerging driving component for soft robotics, which is composed of a flexible dielectric polymer shell that is partially covered by conductive electrodes and filled with a liquid dielectric. However, the low permittivity and dielectric strength of the polymer shell remain a challenge that limits the actuator performance. Herein, a Peano‐hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic actuator is constructed by innovatively integrating a bilayer polymer shell for combined favorable properties of high dielectric strength, dielectric permittivity, and elastic modulus. Compared with a traditional single‐layer shell actuator, the new bilayer actuator architecture generates an increased strain (164%) at 5 kV and improves load‐bearing capability (620 mN) at 6 kV, thereby providing a significantly enhanced actuation performance. The new actuator is further applied in driving a ratchet system, which converts the reciprocating motion of the actuator into a rotating motion and a flexible output torque, in order to protect the rotating components from impact. The high strain and load characteristics of the bilayer configuration and the easy‐to‐deform characteristics of the new actuator design make it an attractive approach to fabricate complex geometries and achieve a variety of motion modes in soft systems.