Printing and electromechanical evaluation of stretchable electrodes for dielectric elastomer transducers

Abstract Fabrication of electrode layers is a critical process for the production and performance of dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs). This paper focuses on the precise and reliable printing of various electrodes and the electromechanical evaluation of the printed layers. Printing technology offers numerous advantages for creating thin, compliant electrode layers; however, the lack of a standard electrode ink poses challenges for the research and development of the entire fabrication process. In this study, four electrode materials based on carbon black and one based on carbon nanotubes were specially adapted and printed using a contactless jetting system. A characterization setup is realized to facilitate measurements. Multilayer DET samples with different electrode layers, utilizing both 50 µ m and 20 µ m elastomer films, are manufactured and subjected to electromechanical measurements. This study provides a detailed investigation of the electrode influence on the electromechanical properties of the DET, including capacitance, resistance, stiffening and electrical actuation performance. Finally, the results are evaluated to assess electrode effects and DET’s performance. The measurements indicate that the electrodes influence the stiffening, capacitance, and actuation performance of the DET to varying degrees.