Advanced Materials, Vol.28, No.19, 3726-3731, 2016
Stretchable, High-k Dielectric Elastomers through Liquid-Metal Inclusions
An all-soft-matter composite with exceptional electro-elasto properties is demonstrated by embedding liquid-metal inclusions in an elastomer matrix. This material exhibits a unique combination of high dielectric constant, low stiffness, and large strain limit (ca. 600% strain). The elasticity, electrostatics, and electromechanical coupling of the composite are investigated, and strong agreement with predictions from effective medium theory is found.