彥霖 實驗筆記

The term ‘artificial muscles’ was coined to describe a range of electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators with muscle-like properties such as high flexibility, strain (over 100%), and energy density.1–3 One type of EAP, the dielectric elastomer actuator, consists of a soft elastomer sandwiched between two compliant electrodes generally made of carbon powder (see Figure 1). When a voltage is applied between the electrodes, an electrostatic force is generated that compresses the elastomer thickness, expanding it in-plane. Depending on the boundary conditions, many different actuators and sensors can be made—from large active fins for blimps4 and haptic systems, to centimeter-scale walking, grasping, and swimming robots.1,2