Dielectric Electroactive Polymers for Emerging Electromechanical Sensors and Actuators

The ever-increasing landscape of electromechanical systems toward technological advances has streamlined the progress of human civilization. As a vital component in diverse electromechanical systems, dielectric electroactive polymers (DEAPs) have attracted soaring interest due to their rational synthesis, remarkable structural adaptability, sustainable fabrication, high responsiveness, and stability in critical environments. A flexible DEAP device consists of a thin elastomeric sheet between two compliant electrodes that can convert electrical energy into mechanical movement and vice versa. The optimal device requires polymers with high dielectric permittivity, low dielectric loss, and stretchability that matches the polymer and electrode. These characteristics make them desirable for implementation in wearable sensors, robotic tactile sensing, and actuators. Another crucial factor to consider in reducing the driving voltage is the sustainable engineering of DEAP thickness and stacking approach. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the working principles and factors affecting the performance of DEAP devices. Finally, the application prospects of DEAPs in sensors and actuators are provided in detail, which will inspire more innovative explorations of DEAPs and electrode materials for applications in next-generation soft robotics, wearable electronics, and human–machine interfaces.