Characterization of electroelastomers based on interpenetrating polymer networks

Abstract

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) in which one elastomer network is under high tension balanced by compression of the second network have been shown to exhibit electrically-induced strain up to 300% and promise a number of polymer actuators with substantially enhanced performance and stability. This paper describes the mechanical and thermal properties of the IPN electroelastomer films. The quasi-linear viscoelastic model and Yeoh strain energy potential are used to characterize the viscoelastic response and stress-strain behavior of the IPN films in comparison with 3M VHB films, primary component network in the IPN films. Material parameters were determined from uniaxial stress relaxation experiments. An analysis of the results confirms that the IPN composites have reduced viscoelasticity and fast stress-strain response due to preserved prestrain. Differential scanning calorimetry showed two glass transition temperatures that are slightly shifted from the two component networks, respectively. The two networks in the IPN are considered to be independent of each other. The thermal property is also studied with termogravimetric analysis (TG).