Polyurethane-Based Composite Materials Promising for Dielectric Actuators

Abstract

Novel polyurethane-based composite materials filled with silver sub-microparticles in different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 wt %) are produced. The properties of the initial and composite materials are studied by modern structural and physical–chemical methods. Significant differences in the electrical and mechanical properties of native polymer matrices with identical chemical composition are revealed. The quality of the filler distribution in the matrix is evaluated and the fractal structure of silver particle agglomerates in the polyurethane matrix is established. The effect of a conductive filler (silver) on the electrical characteristics (conductivity and permittivity) of the material is studied. Composite materials based on polyurethanes can be considered as promising for dielectric elastomer actuators in soft robotics, due to enhancement of the dielectric permittivity while maintaining the mechanical properties.