dielectric elastomer actuators, [ 17 ] and memristors. [ 18 ] Liquidphase gallium–indium alloys are popular for this “microfl uidics” approach to stretchable electronics since they are nontoxic and form an oxide layer [ 19–22 ] that aids in microcontact printing, [ 23 ] electrode alignment, [ 24 ] and 3D printing. [ 25 ] Finally, a common approach to stretchable electronics is to embed thin fi ...

We study the adhesion between an elastomer of cross-link index, P, and a flat solid surface where polymer chains of polymerisation index, N, have been end-grafted. To understand the adhesive feature of such a system, one has to study both the origin of the grafted layer interdigitation with the network and the end-grafted chain extraction out of the elastomer when it separates from the solid su...

A hydrostatically coupled dielectric elastomer (HCDE) actuator consists of two membranes of a dielectric elastomer, clamped with rigid circular rings. Confined between the membranes is a fixed volume of a fluid, which couples the movements of the two membranes when a voltage or a force is applied. This paper presents a computational model of the actuator, assuming that the membranes are neo-Hoo...

Cephalopods can display dazzling patterns of colours by selectively contracting muscles to reversibly activate chromatophores--pigment-containing cells under their skins. Inspired by this novel colouring strategy found in nature, we design an electro-mechano-chemically responsive elastomer system that can exhibit a wide variety of fluorescent patterns under the control of electric fields. We co...

Purpose: One of the major concerns in the long-term success of EVAR is stent-graft migration, which can cause type I endoleak and even aneurysm rupture. Fixation depends on the mechanical forces between the graft and both the aortic neck and the blood flow. Therefore there are anatomical restrictions for EVAR, such as short and angulated necks. To improve the fixation of EVAR-grafts, elastomer ...

We present a detailed analysis of the molecular packing of a strained liquid crystal elastomer composed of chiral mesogens in the smectic-A phase. X-ray diffraction patterns of the elastomer collected over a range of orientations with respect to the x-ray beam were used to reconstruct the three-dimensional scattering intensity as a function of tensile strain. We show that the smectic domain ord...