Electrostatic actuators with multilayered dielectrics for vacuum and space applications

This project focuses on the development of a new type of electrostatic actuators with high potential for the critical European sector of Space Technologies and the field of Smart Materials. Electrostatic actuators, in particular dielectric elastomers, have long been proposed for space applications. However, due to limited materials choice, reliability and intrinsic technological limitations, this method has not yet met expectations. The EMVAC project is proposing a new concept of electrostatic actuation. It exploits electrically induced deformations of multilayered dielectric structures consisting of polymer films separated by vacuum gaps. Such multilayer systems can enable actuation of space mechanisms or operate in vacuum research/industrial applications on Earth. Due to employing high vacuum as a critical dielectric layer, as opposed to bulk insulating materials, this technology can provide unmatched performance in power density, strain and actuation speeds at low materials and manufacturing costs. However, the vacuum-gap introduces complex electrical phenomena within the dielectric structure. This relates to the accumulation of electrical charges at the film interfaces, resulting in an alteration of the force output of the entire system. This work will study the complex charge dynamics that dictates the force response of such systems by integrating experimental investigations and physics-oriented theoretical approaches. A framework for materials selection will be proposed. Various polymer films will be investigated. Different actuators employing the polymer film/vacuum gap topology will be created and demonstrated in a high vacuum environment. The research fellow will deepen his expertise in the fundamentals of dielectric materials and electroactive polymers, while also acquiring critical soft skills in managing a multidisciplinary research project that integrates fundamental and applied methods.