In this paper, mechanical properties and piezoelectric effects of cellulose based Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) actuators were investigated. Typical pulling tests of cellulose paper, which is a basic material of EAPap actuator, showed distinct elastic modulus and bifurcation point followed by plastic modulus at ambient conditions. The mechanism of this distinct phenomenon was examined to obtain better understanding of EAPap actuator. After that, in-plane strain of EAPap actuator under constant electric field was experimentally investigated to understand piezoelectricity of EAPap. EAPap samples were made by coating very thin gold electrodes on both sides of cellophane film. When external DC voltages were applied, in-plane contractions were induced due to the converse piezoelectric effect of EAPap. It was observed that the EAPap sample with 45° orientation exhibited the largest in-plane strain compared to other orientation samples.

Date Published: 6 April 2006
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 6170, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics, 61701N (6 April 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.657813

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6170:
Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics
William D. Armstrong, Editor(s)