Abstract
This paper refers to the electromechanical strain response of PDMS/TiO2/SiO2 composites as an electroactive polymer actuator. Lightweight electro-active polymers (EAPs) are ideal for control surface since they offer high strain rate, fast response, high elastic energy density and ease of manufacture [1,2]. We investigate the frequency response and vibrational modes of rectangular films with aluminum electrodes using Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry (SLDV) technique described elsewhere [3,4]. The results showed a similar behaviour with those of acrylic and silicone films coated with carbon-based compliant electrodes from literature. Field-induced vibrational strains decrease with frequency due to the increase in stiffness of sample and change of dielectric permittivity. These materials are possible candidates in polymer actuators for micro-pump and micro-valve applications in MEMS. Keywords: electroactive polymers, dielectric elastomers, non-destructive technique, frequency response, vibrational modes