A Review of Methods and Applications for Improving Electric Driving Performance of Dielectric Elastomer

Dielectric elastomer (DE), as a new type of flexible intelligent material, is highly promising for applications in a variety of fields such as electronic devices, bionic machinery, biomedicine, and so on. Its electrically driven properties have been widely studied. In fact, the safety and stability of flexible materials are also essential parameters in the field of actuators. Based on the working principle of DE, the mechanism of DE electrical actuation, influencing factors, and methods to enhance DE performance are summarized. As well as methods to extend their working life and the current progress of the study on the application of DE materials. Meanwhile, the advantages of these methods, as well as problems and limitations in practical application, are compared and analyzed. In addition, major challenges and opportunities for further development are proposed and discussed.