ABSTRACT
Dielectric elastomer is one of the important electroactive polymer used as actuator in adaptive structures due to its outstanding ability to generate very large deformations under the influence of an external electric field. In this paper the role of compliant electrodes for enhancement of dielectric response has been discussed. Due to significant electrostrictive and mechanical characteristic of the elastomer, it has a great potential for electromechanical applications in actuators, transducers, artificial muscles and sensors. In most of the recent experiment for the determination of electrostrictive parameters in elastic dielectrics, several researchers have used in correct formulae without considering the contributions from lateral stresses, proper boundary conditions and edge effect. In this paper I identify some of the challenges associated with its development, and examine the main focus of research with key parameters affecting the performance in some of the potential applications.
