Methods and mechanisms for maintaining an electro-active polymer in a pre-stretch state and uses thereof

Abstract

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising:
 an electro-active polymer (EAP) film,
 wherein the electro-active polymer film comprises:
 at least one polymer; and 
 at least one additive. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the electro-active polymer film has a thickness of 10 cm or less. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one polymer and the at least one additive is present in an amount sufficient to obtain the electro-active polymer film. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein a ratio of the at least one polymer to the at least one additive is sufficient to obtain the electro-active polymer film.