Polyurethane elastomer actuator

Polyurethane elastomer (PUE) prepared from a polyester glycol, paraphenylenediisocyanate (PPDI), and a mixture of 1,2-propanediol and 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl) propane (TMP) as a chain extender, were found to be actuated by the electric field. The characteristics of the PUE electrostrictive actuator were studied as functions of molecular structure, electrode material, its thickness, dielectric constant and applied field. The PUE actuator was confirmed to move smoothly like a finger.