Bistable Large-Strain Actuation of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

The bistable electroactive polymer is a new smart material capable of large strain, rigid‐to‐rigid actuation. At the rubbery state of the polymer heated to above its glass transition, stable electrically‐induced actuation is obtained at strains as large as 150%. Electromechanical instability can be effectively overcome by the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks. An application as a refreshable braille display is demonstrated.