Electromechanical stability of dielectric elastomer composites with enhanced permittivity

Dielectric elastomers when doped with high permittivity fillers, such as ceramic particles, achieve enhanced dielectric properties, which lower the voltage required for actuation. A thermodynamic model is proposed which investigates the electromechanical deformation and stability in these dielectric elastomer composites. The process of electromechanical coupling is analyzed with particular emphasis on the saturated polarization of the ceramic fillers, which modifies the instability due to electrostriction. The stability characteristics are studied using established principles, and provide information for achieving the goal of high performance stretchable dielectric actuators.