Novel boron nitride filler polymer matrix dielectric elastomer composites with enhanced actuation performance

This paper describes novel soft dielectric elastomer composites that exhibits interesting features from the perspective of dielectric-elastomer transducer development, with enhanced actuation performance under an applied electric field that are potentially suitable for actuator applications. Materials solutions described are a combination of ceramic BN platelets, used at low loading levels, and a plasticizer (Naphthenic Oil) in a polymer matrix and synergistic effects between them that leads to enhancement in actuation strain by as high as 328% under applied electric field. Such functional dielectric composites would alleviate several issues such as size, functionality, and performance for many real-world actuator applications. GraphicAbstract