Dielectric breakdown strength measurements with silicone-based single-layer dielectric elastomer transducers

Dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs) consist of an elastic dielectric film sandwiched between compliant electrodes. Applying an electric voltage leads to an electrostatic pressure between the electrodes which causes a deformation of the DET due to the elastic dielectric. The dielectric breakdown field strength of the elastomer restricts the applied voltage. For highly efficient DETs, their dielectric breakdown strength during operation has to be known. In this work, eight different breakdown test scenarios with self-fabricated single-layer DET samples made of the silicone film Elastosil^® Film 2030 (Wacker Chemie AG) are conducted. They differ in type of the applied electrical voltage (DC/AC), mechanical load of the silicone film and setup of the DET samples. The DETs show a nominal dielectric breakdown strength between 96 and 200 V μm⁻¹ during operation depending on the applied voltage, prestretch and the setup of the DET. Applying protective silicone film layers on top and bottom of the electrodes leads to a reduced damage of the DET after the breakdown of the weakest point and prevents the complete failure of the transducer. (paper)