Linear actuation in coextruded dielectric elastomer tubes

Cylindrical fibre actuators have been constructed by a coextrusion method using a thermoplastic polyurethane wall and a conductive grease filler. These actuators may be operated as single fibres or bundled together as actuating ropes. Key results include the validation of Carpi’s wall pressure model [F. Carpi, D.D. Rossi, Dielectric elastomer cylindrical actuators: electromechanical modelling and experimental evaluation, Mater. Sci. Eng. C-Biomimetic Supramol. Syst. 24 (2004) 555–562] and the proof-of-concept demonstration of a technique that can be used for producing inexpensive dielectric elastomer actuators on an industrial scale.