Mechanical, dielectric, and actuated strain of silicone elastomer filled with various types of TiO₂

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on the dielectric, mechanical, and electromechanical properties of a silicone elastomer. The silicone/TiO₂ composite films exhibited, in comparison with pure silicone, a steadily improvement of dielectric constant and elastic modulus with the augment of TiO₂ particles. A transverse planar strain of 18% with pre-strain of 5% at 50V/μm was obtained, which was 50% higher than the corresponding value generated with the pure silicone. The practical actuated strain was lower than the theoretical, and it was well explained.