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This section provides an overview for dielectric elastomers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 1 dielectric elastomer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked dielectric elastomer companies as of February, 2025: 1.Soft Robotics Toolkit.
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Dielectric elastomers are a type of elastomer, akin to rubber, that exhibit significant shape changes when exposed to high electric fields. These materials combine elasticity with the ability to act as electrical insulators, making them capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical movement.
With high dielectric constants and softness, dielectric elastomers are under active research for their potential in practical applications that exploit their unique capabilities.
Currently, dielectric elastomers are being explored for future applications such as artificial muscles in actuators. They offer high energy conversion efficiency and are anticipated to lead to the development of compact, energy-efficient actuators that are environmentally friendly, addressing the need for new technologies in a decarbonizing society.
Furthermore, dielectric elastomers have the potential for energy harvesting and sensing applications, leveraging their ability to convert mechanical changes into electrical energy and vice versa.
Dielectric elastomers work by applying electrodes on both sides of an elastomeric material with a high dielectric constant. When high voltage is applied, the resulting Coulomb force causes the elastomer to expand and contract. The applied pressure is a function of the voltage, the material's dielectric constant, and the distance between the electrodes.
To accommodate large strains, dielectric elastomers are made from soft, stretchable materials such as acrylics and silicones. The electrodes, which must maintain contact with the elastomer through its deformations, can be made from metals, graphite powders, or graphite-silicone oil mixtures. This setup allows for efficient energy conversion with minimal heat loss.
Dielectric elastomer actuators can vary in design, offering versatile applications:
A simple actuator design with dielectric elastomer-coated electrodes.
Utilized in valves and micro-robots, this actuator expands axially when voltage is applied, functioning without a core if wrapped around a compression spring.
A flat membrane that actuates in the z-axis direction, suitable for various applications.
Features multiple electrodes on an elastomer film, capable of creating complex three-dimensional movements for propulsion in water or air.
Offers high force and deformation through a laminated surface design.
Generates displacement or force in the z-axis direction, with flat films stacked to enhance movement.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Ranking as of February 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soft Robotics Toolkit |
100.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the dielectric elastomer page as of February 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
