Stretching Horizons for Electrical Devices

Abstract

Hunting for materials that change shape when zapped electrically, researchers have found a new champion literally hanging out in the kitchen. A rubbery acrylic used to stick widgets to refrigerators triples its length when squeezed with high voltage. Known as a dielectric elastomer, the stuff has shattered the standard for electrically induced elongation, researchers report on page 836. The acrylic and its stretchy silicone brethren might someday control video displays, animate small robots, or power artificial limbs.