Electroactive dielectric polymer gels as new-generation soft actuators: a review

Electroactive dielectric polymer gel (DPG) as a class of electronic type electroactive polymers has important applications in soft robot, wearable electronics, and biomedical fields due to their lower driving voltage, degree of various actuation freedoms, and high actuation strain. The DPG materials are often composed of solid and liquid phases which are made by polymer network and high dielectric constant of solvent (or plasticizer). Accordingly, the electromechanical coupling mechanisms of DPGs are more complex and are different with other electronic electroactive polymers. In addition, the DPGs have many advantages for soft actuators such as lower driving voltage, larger actuation strain, and various actuation freedoms. As far as we know, the concept and progress of DPGs have not been systematically reported so far. In this review, we completely reviewed recent progresses of electroactive DPG materials, electromechanical coupling mechanisms, and applications of DPG actuators, etc. This review can provide more understanding, current challenges, and future trends of electroactive DPGs and their applications in soft actuators.

Automated summary

Electroactive dielectric polymer gel (DPG) is a class of electronic type electroactive polymers with important applications in soft robot, wearable electronics, and biomedical fields due to its lower driving voltage, high actuation strain, and various actuation freedoms. The electromechanical coupling mechanisms of DPGs are more complex, and they have many advantages for soft actuators.