Bistable Large-Strain Actuation of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

The bistable electroactive polymer is a new smart material capable of large strain, rigid-to-rigid actuation. At the rubbery state of the polymer heated to above its glass transition, stable electrically-induced actuation is obtained at strains as large as 150%. Electromechanical instability can be effectively overcome by the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks. An application as a refreshable braille display is demonstrated.