Dielectric Elastomers as Electromechanical Transducers provides a comprehensive and updated insight into dielectric elastomers; one of the most promising classes of polymer-based smart materials and technologies. This technology can be used in a very broad range of applications, from robotics and automation to the biomedical field.

The need for improved transducer performance has resulted in considerable efforts towards the development of devices relying on materials with intrinsic transduction properties. These materials, often termed as "smart" or "intelligent," include...

This book provides a comprehensive and clearly structured introduction to the broad field of transducers and artificial muscles based on electromechanically active polymers (EAP), the goal being to present basic concepts and established knowledge in an accessible form. Its tutorial style and structure make this book an easy-to-use reference guide for students, researchers and practitioners alike. Different sections cover all categories of EAP materials, with separate chapters addressing the fundamentals, materials, device configurations, models, and applications, as well as operative...