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Last Updated: Apr 25, 2025 | Study Period: 2024-2030
A polymer that changes size or shape when stimulated by an electric field is known as an electroactive polymer (EAP). This type of material is most commonly used in actuators and sensors. Electroactive polymers (EAP) are actuators that most closely resemble biological muscles when compared to other human-made actuators, earning them the moniker "artificial muscles."
Materials developed in the early days of this field produced limited actuation strain and thus received A polymer that changes size or shape when stimulated by an electric field is known as an electroactive polymer (EAP). This type of material is most commonly used in actuators and sensors.
The Global Electroactive Polymer Motor market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are a type of electrically deformable polymer that is extremely versatile. Because of their inherent electro-mechanical properties, these polymers can deform when excited by electrical potentials. The piezoelectric couplings in EAPs give them unique capabilities that are important in actuators and soft robotics.
Furthermore, their ability to convert an electrical stimulus into a mechanical response holds the promise of developing biocompatible artificial muscles. Furthermore, EAPs have gained popularity as a material for wearable sensors and biomimetics.
EAPs have recently piqued the interest of researchers and innovators in the mechano-electrical sector due to their versatile applications.Ionic EAPs are one of the most common types of electroactive polymers.
They require less voltage to activate than other EAPs because they are powered by ion diffusion. These ionic EAPs have a sharp bending angle, which allows them to more precisely mimic muscle movement.
One of the most well-known types of ionic EAPs is ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs). A method for synthesising IPMCs. The most well-known IPMC synthesis employs Nafion®, a commercially available non-conductive membrane made of a fluoropolymer-copolymer based on sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene.
Electroactive polymers can be classified into two types based on how they are manufactured: electronic EAPs and ionic EAPs. Electronic EAPs, such as dielectric elastomers, mechanically respond to changes in electrical charge, typically by expanding. Similarly, an electric field can activate ionic EAPs by causing deformation due to ion movement.
Research organization SRI International has created a number of electroactive polymer (EAP) motors and actuators for diverse uses. One such item is the EAP actuator known as the Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuator, which may be utilized for a variety of purposes including robotics, aircraft, and medical equipment.
An very thin polymer strip with a coating of metal on either side makes up the IPMC actuator. Ionomers, or polymers that contain charged ions, are the predominant kind of polymer employed in IPMC actuators. The charged ions in the polymer are drawn to the electrodes on each side of the strip when a voltage is provided to the IPMC actuator.
In response, the strip bends or curls depending on the voltage's direction. The versatility of the IPMC actuator is one of its main benefits. The actuator may be twisted and moulded into a variety of forms since it is comprised of a thin, flexible polymer. Because of this, it is perfect for usage in situations where there is a lack of available space or when the actuator has to be able to travel in several directions.
The IPMC actuator's light weight is another benefit. The actuator is significantly lighter than conventional motors and actuators since it is built of a thin polymer strip. The dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) and the electrostrictive polymer actuator (ESPA) are two more EAP motors and actuators that SRI International has created.
The DEA is a particular kind of EAP actuator that consists of a thin, flexible membrane covered on both sides with electrodes. The membrane expands or contracts as a voltage is delivered to the electrodes, moving the actuator.
Contrarily, the ESPA is a kind of EAP actuator constructed of an electrostriction-exhibiting polymer. When an electric field is applied, a material has the property of electrostriction, which causes it to alter form. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a kind of polymer that has significant electrostrictive characteristics, is generally used to make the ESPA.
The flexibility and low weight of the DEA and the ESPA are similar to those of the IPMC actuator. Similar uses for them may be found in robotics, aircraft, and medical equipment.SRI International has created a number of electroactive polymer (EAP) motors and actuators, including the electrostrictive polymer actuator (ESPA), the dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), and the ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator.
The flexibility, light weight, and versatility of these devices make them superior to conventional motors and actuators in a number of ways.
Sentis Motor, an EAP-based motor with several uses in the consumer electronics and wearable technology sectors, is one of their core products. Based on EAP technology, the Sentis Motor is a compact, low-power, and exceptionally effective motor.
EAPs are substances that can adapt to an electric field by changing their size and form. A special EAP material created by Novasentis can generate significant stresses, making it the perfect material for actuation. This EAP substance is what gives the Sentis Motor its ability to rotate.
A shaft that may be used to drive a load is connected to the rotor of the motor, which also includes a stator. The EAP material in the stator expands when an electric field is applied, creating a force that rotates the rotor. The Sentis Motor's excellent efficiency is one of its main benefits.
Due to their high strain energy density, EAPs are able to efficiently transform a significant quantity of electrical energy into mechanical energy. As a result, the Sentis Motor has a low power need and produces less heat. The Sentis Motor's light weight and compact dimensions are further benefits.
Sl no | Topic |
1 | Market Segmentation |
2 | Scope of the report |
3 | Abbreviations |
4 | Research Methodology |
5 | Executive Summary |
6 | Introduction |
7 | Insights from Industry stakeholders |
8 | Cost breakdown of Product by sub-components and average profit margin |
9 | Disruptive innovation in theIndustry |
10 | Technology trends in the Industry |
11 | Consumer trends in the industry |
12 | Recent Production Milestones |
13 | Component Manufacturing in US, EU and China |
14 | COVID-19 impact on overall market |
15 | COVID-19 impact on Production of components |
16 | COVID-19 impact on Point of sale |
17 | Market Segmentation, Dynamics and Forecast by Geography, 2024-2030 |
18 | Market Segmentation, Dynamics and Forecast by Product Type, 2024-2030 |
19 | Market Segmentation, Dynamics and Forecast by Application, 2024-2030 |
20 | Market Segmentation, Dynamics and Forecast by End use, 2024-2030 |
21 | Product installation rate by OEM, 2023 |
22 | Incline/Decline in Average B-2-B selling price in past 5 years |
23 | Competition from substitute products |
24 | Gross margin and average profitability of suppliers |
25 | New product development in past 12 months |
26 | M&A in past 12 months |
27 | Growth strategy of leading players |
28 | Market share of vendors, 2023 |
29 | Company Profiles |
30 | Unmet needs and opportunity for new suppliers |
31 | Conclusion |
32 | Appendix |