Inverse Flexoelectret Effect: Bending Dielectrics by a Uniform Electric Field

Flexoelectricity, in which a dielectric material develops an electrical polarization response to mechanical strain, is important degree of freedom for designing actuators with simpler structure and higher performance. Its applications are usually limited the nanoscale, though, due phenomenon's inherent size dependence. This study presents $i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}v\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e$ flexoelectret effect silicone elastomers overcome this limitation, interplay electrets Maxwell stress. The approach here opens avenue applying macroscopic flexoelectricity flexible electronics.