Material	Dielectric elastomers
	Dielectric elastomers (also called electrostrictive polymers) exhibit a mechanical strain when subjected to an electric field. Their striction capability is much higer than that of piezoceramics (10-30% vs. 0.1-0.3%). The most common are PMMA-based electrostrictive polymers. Thanks to their electrostrictive strain, they can be sandwiched between two electrodes to emulate the operation of muscles. In an electric field, the elastomer expands in the plane of the electrodes, amplifying the normal compression due to the electrostatic charges on the electrodes. The result is a muscle with large strain capability, and a large actuation pressure.
Category	Responsive (smart) materials, Mooving materials
Processes	Spin coating Dipping Casting
Similar materials	Piezoelectric materials Conducting polymers Polymer gels
References	SRI International Low mass muscles actuator
Price	Dielectric elastomers are still at a research level, but they have the potential to be produced at a low cost.
Additional Info	By rolling a tube of a thin film with many layers, larger strains can be achieved. After a couple of years dielectric elastomers don't show any sign of degradation.
Photo	Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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