Improving performance of electro-active polymers (EAPs) via Corona Charging

The main problem of dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators is today represented by the high driving electric fields (orders of 10‐100 V/μm) necessary for their activation. Although several attempts have been made in order to increase strains by enhancing the dielectric constant (ε) of such matrices and keeping low elastic moduli (Y) to control the ε/Y ratio, currently several challenges have still to be faced. In this work, a new approach is presented to enhance the electromechanical performance of DE actuators. Soft elastomeric polyurethane (PU) matrices with foam structure were electrically charged and poled via Corona process. Such matrices showed electret‐like properties, possibly due to the presence of macro‐dipoles induced both at the matrix/pore surfaces and inside the bulk. Morphological (SEM, Bet), dielectric and dynamic‐mechanical (DMA) tests were performed in order to characterize the material. Results showed that corona charging may represent a new promising route to obtain dielectric elastomers with improved dielectric properties.