ZnO as a cheap and effective filler for high breakdown strength elastomers

Abstract

Cheap, high-performance dielectric elastomers are in high demand from industry concerning new products based on dielectric elastomer transducers. However, formulating an elastomer that fulfils all the requirements for dielectric elastomers is difficult and, first and foremost, not cheap. In this article, we explore the use of a cheap and abundant metal oxide filler, namely ZnO, as a filler in silicone-based dielectric elastomers. The electro-mechanical properties of the elastomer composites are investigated, and their performance is evaluated by means of figures of merit. Various commercial silicone elastomers and a self-formulated silicone elastomer are utilised as elastomer matrices, the effects of which on the final properties of the elastomer composite are investigated.