Evaluation of Selected Dielectric Elastomers for use in an Artificial Muscle Actuator

This paper presents the results of a series of experiments designed to measure the suitability of selected dielectric elastomers as artificial muscle actuators. The paper aims to differentiate between three widely used dielectric elastomers, 3M VHB-4910, BJB Enterprises TC-5005 and NuSil Technology’s CF19-2186. The materials are compared in terms of their ease of manufacture, strain, electrical properties and hysteresis. The effect and the importance of prestraining each material is also considered. A conclusion is drawn on the basis of these comparisons and recommendations are given for the design of actuators utilising these materials.