Protoporphyrin IX a novel crosslinker for dielectric elastomers

Dielectric elastomers or “artificial muscles” are a class of electroactive polymers that undergo expansion when subjected to an applied electric field. Polysiloxanes commonly referred to as silicones are often the material of choice for dielectric elastomers due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, they suffer from minimal expansion when subjected to an electrical field. This research will seek to improve the electromechanical response of silicone elastomers by incorporating Protoporphyrin IX (P-IX) into silicone elastomers and polymers. Initially, the project will focus on developing synthetic techniques to facilitate the chemical incorporation of P-IX into silicones elastomers, these elastomers will then be evaluated for their electromechanical response. It is expected that incorporation of P-IX will improve the electromechanical response of silicone elastomers leading to the development of a new silicone material for dielectric elastomers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Brook

Student:

Partner:

Technical University of Denmark

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: