Some new techniques to improve the electromechanical performance of graphene/dielectric elastomers composites

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) can give rise to surprisingly large deformations by applying an electric field. Because of the lightweight, large strain, and high energy density etc., DEs find many applications in industry such as artificial muscles and sensors. Among various DEs, graphene based DEs have attracted much attention because of its high dielectric constant (k) and unique layered structure. In this study, some new methods were used to improve the electromechanical performance of graphene based DEs. First, we prepared carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) DE with extremely high dielectric constant at quite a low percolation threshold via the directionally distribution of graphene oxide nanosheets (GONS) in XNBR latex and the in-situ thermal reduction of GONS at a low temperature. Second, we prepared GONS-encapsulated carbon nanosphere (GO@CNS) hybrid/XNBR dielectric composite with high k, low dielectric loss and large actuated strain at a low electric filed by latex compounding. Third, we prepared poly (dopamine) encapsulated GONS/elastomer composites with low dielectric loss and improved breakdown strength and actuated strain at a low electric field. The improvement in the electromechanical performance of graphene based DEs facilitates the wider application of DEs.
Dielectric elastomers (DEs) can give rise to surprisingly large deformations by applying an electric field. Because of the lightweight, large strain, and high energy density etc., DEs find many applications in industry such as artificial muscles and sensors. Among various DEs, graphene based DEs have attracted much attention because of its high dielectric constant (k) and unique layered structure. In this study, some new methods were used to improve the electromechanical performance of graphene based DEs. First, we prepared carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) DE with extremely high dielectric constant at quite a low percolation threshold via the directionally distribution of graphene oxide nanosheets (GONS) in XNBR latex and the in-situ thermal reduction of GONS at a low temperature. Second, we prepared GONS-encapsulated carbon nanosphere (GO@CNS) hybrid/XNBR dielectric composite with high k, low dielectric loss and large actuated strain at a low electric filed by latex compounding. Third, we prepared poly (dopamine) encapsulated GONS/elastomer composites with low dielectric loss and improved breakdown strength and actuated strain at a low electric field. The improvement in the electromechanical performance of graphene based DEs facilitates the wider application of DEs.