Constructing inkjet printed dielectric elastomers with modified silicon carbide nanowire surfaces to enhance electromechanical performance

Abstract Dielectric elastomers (DEs), have attracted interest because they can replicate the behavior of muscles. They can change shape when subjected to an electric field. A novel DE is proposed in this study that incorporates silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires into silicone rubber (SR). The nanowires were propagated using polycarbosilane via a chemical vapor reaction (CVR). A boronate polymer was employed to promote compatibility between SR and SiC nanowires which modified the nanowire surfaces, leveraging a strong adhesive quality of the catechol moiety. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing was then used to form the DEs into various shapes. These DEs had substantial dielectric constants of the order of 4.46. Significantly, one of the DEs achieved the highest actuated area strain of 20.36% in an electric field of 16.5 V/μm, demonstrating excellent driving performance. Furthermore, when used the fabricated DEs showed pronounced long‐term stability, meaning they are capable of finding applications in artificial intelligence, biomimetics, aerospace, and other disciplines. Highlights The SiC nanowires were obtained through a chemical vapor reaction. A boronate polymer with catechol moiety was used to modify the SiC nanowires. DEs were formed various shapes by inkjet printing. DEs achieved very large actuated strains of up to 20.36% at 16.5 V/μm.