Dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators exploit electrically induced deformations of insulating rubbery materials, as a means to transduce electrical energy into mechanical work. To enable large deformations, recent studies have demonstrated the advantage of either using elastomers that suppress pull-in electromechanical instability or driving the actuator at the verge of instability while still preventing it. Whenever these strategies are not applicable, softening the material remains the mechanical approach of choice to enable large deformations at relatively low electric fields. As the most common approach to lower the elastic modulus of an elastomer is the use of plasticizers, understanding their effects also on other properties of the elastomer is important, especially to actuator designers. Aimed at gaining insights in this respect, this paper presents an extensive chemical–physical, dielectric, mechanical and electromechanical characterization, for different amounts of a plasticizer, of one of the softest commercial silicones demonstrated for DE actuation (elastic modulus of the order of 100 kPa). The results showed the interplaying effects of a variable addition of the plasticizer, elucidating key features that could thus serve as a guide to the design of actuators for specific needs.

The main problem of dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators is today represented by the high driving electric fields (orders of 10-100 V/μm) necessary for their activation. Although several attempts have been made in order to increase strains by enhancing the dielectric constant (ε') of such matrices and keeping low elastic moduli (Y) to control the ε/Y ratio, currently several challenges have still to be faced. In this work, a new approach is presented to enhance the electrical properties of DE elastomers. Soft elastomeric polyurethane (PU) matrices with foam structure were electrically modified via Corona process. Such matrices showed electret-like properties, possibly due to the presence of macro-dipoles established both at the matrix/pore surfaces and inside the bulk. Morphological (SEM, Bet), dielectric and dynamic-mechanical (DMA) analyses were performed in order to characterize the material. Results showed that Corona charging may represent a new promising route to obtain dielectric elastomers with improved dielectric properties, although ways to promote charge trapping and retention are still do be found.