초록 ▼

The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre

The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre-strained portion. One fabrication technique applies pre-strain to a partially cured electroactive polymer. The partially cured polymer is then further cured to stiffen and maintain the pre-strain. In another fabrication technique, a support layer is coupled to the polymer that maintains pre-strain in a portion of an electroactive polymer. Another embodiment of the invention cures a polymer precursor to maintain pre-strain in an electroactive polymer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for forming a stiffened electroactive polymer film, the method comprising: applying a polymer precursor to a surface of a first portion of a previously fabricated electroactive polymer film and allowing the precursor to disperse or diffuse into the film;stretching the electroactive polym

1. A method for forming a stiffened electroactive polymer film, the method comprising: applying a polymer precursor to a surface of a first portion of a previously fabricated electroactive polymer film and allowing the precursor to disperse or diffuse into the film;stretching the electroactive polymer film to achieve a pre strain; andcuring the polymer precursor to stiffen said first portion. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polymer precursor is applied onto the surface of the first portion after the electroactive polymer film has been pre-strained. 3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising disposing an electrode on the surface of the first portion. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the stiffened portion borders a second pre-strained portion of the electroactive polymer film. 5. The method according to claim 4 further comprising disposing an electrode on the surface over said second pre-strained portion. 6. The method according to claim 1 further comprising applying the polymer precursor onto a second portion of the electroactive polymer film. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein a greater amount of polymer precursor is applied onto the surface of the second portion than to the surface of the first portion. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polymer precursor diffuses into the first portion. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polymer precursor is applied by spraying onto the surface of the first portion of the electroactive polymer film. 10. The method according to claim 9 further comprising applying a mask to the surface of the first portion of the electroactive polymer film to determine the shape and size of the portion. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein stretching the electroactive polymer film to achieve the pre-strain includes a frame holding the electroactive polymer film in a strained state. 12. The method according to claim 11 further comprising releasing the electroactive polymer film from the frame after curing.