Electrostrictive Properties of Polyurethane Three-Phase Composites

Abstract

Recently, electroactive polymers such as polyurethane (PU) are the one promising for an actuator application and energy harvesting. The dielectric permittivity is one of the key factors for increasing the electrostrictive properties. The conductive polymer and carbon have to be filled in order to increase the dielectric permittivity. The first experiment of this work, the conductive carbon such as graphene was used to improve the dielectric permittivity. Second, the PU three-phase composites were prepared with graphene combined with polyaniline. To gain the films, the solution of PU three-phase composites were prepared by films casting method. The effect of three phase composite in term of dielectric permittivity, electrical, mechanical, and electrostrictive properties was investigated. The dielectric and electrical properties were monitored via LCR meter, while the mechanical properties were determined using a strain gauge setup. The results show that the dielectric permittivity and electrical properties improve with increase filler concentration, which was related to a combined effect in the PU three-phase composites. The characterized results from SEM, FTIR, and DSC was used to support the idea. Finally, the electrostrictive behavior of PU three-phase composites was assessed by measuring the deformation under high voltage with a photonic displacement apparatus. In comparison, the result of the elctrostrictive properties of the PU three-phase composites is greater than their separate composites. Therefore, the PU three-phase composite has considered to be a great polymer for actuator applications and energy harvesting.