Novel electroactive polymeric materials for dielectric elastomers actuators and soft robots

Project Information

EPOMA DESO

Grant agreement ID: 101067060

DOI

10.3030/101067060

Project terminated on 4 February 2025

EC signature date 13 June 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 28 February 2025

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 181 152,96

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EPOMA DESO (Novel electroactive polymeric materials for dielectric elastomers actuators and soft robots)

Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In this project (EPOMA DESO), the basic idea was to utilize an electroactive polymer (EAPs), which are a class of smart materials that exhibit mechanical deformation in response to electrical stimulation, making them highly suitable for applications in haptic devices. EAP-based haptic devices offer advantages such as low power consumption, lightweight structures, and the ability to produce a wide range of force and motion outputs. They can also be used in touch-sensitive interfaces and enhancing user experience by providing lifelike touch sensations. This project was aimed to extend existing research knowledge on self-healing materials and actuator structure to create a prototype of highly stretchable, soft and self-healing haptic skins for wearable devices to create haptic interfaces.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

This project aims to tackle the currently inherent limitations of soft haptic actuators via challenging approaches, which correspond to specific project objectives.
O1. Fabrication of biphasic polymer-liquid metal hybrid system that self-stiffens by mechanical straining- Here, the polymer (PDMS and Ecoflex) was mixed with liquid metal (Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn)) to understand the behavior of the stiffness of the composite.
• Objective 1 was partly achieved due to lack of resources for the characterizations of the samples at the working place.

O2. Development of soft, high-k dielectric elastomer composite via incorporating high dielectric constant liquid to increase the mechanical actuation strain- In this objective, the ionic liquid was mixed with the PDMS and Ecoflex to examine the behavior of the composite based on soft and high-k (ionic liquid) material.
• Objective 2 was partly achieved due to lack of resources for the characterizations of the samples at the working place.

O3. Development of the low-temperature self-healable polymeric composite systems- Herein, a new healable polymer (H-PDMS) was synthesized and was utilized for fabrication of healable electrodes with spray coating silver nanofibers as well as fabrication of electroluminescent devices. Furthermore, H-PDMS was utilized for 3D printing application.
• Objective 3 was fully achieved, and even more was done taking in an account of objective 3 (like, electroluminescent devices and 3D printing technology)

Besides, the work performed and achievements, I have set up a new research line at host institute (CiQUS) on soft materials for flexible electronics. This was totally new field of research that I have started there.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Herein, a new healable polymer (H-PDMS) was synthesized and was utilized for fabrication of healable electrodes with spray coating silver nanofibers as well as fabrication of electroluminescent devices. Furthermore, H-PDMS was utilized for 3D printing application and devices (like, electroluminescent devices).

I have attached the publications in the publications section for the reference. One publication is in the pipeline on self-healing polymers for flexible electronics.