MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF ELASTIC COMPOSITE GEL UNDER DC ELECTRIC FIELD

Two types of gel were made using Barium Titanate particles dispersed in gelatin containing water in the absence/presence of the applied DC electric field. The microstructures of the particles in the two types of gel were observed by a microscopical method. The compression moduli of the gels were measured as a function of weight percent Barium Titanate in the gels and applied electric field strength for curing and measuring. Consequently, it is shown that the particles were aligned in the gel by the applied DC electric field, the compression modulus of the gel could be increased by pre-aligning the particles in the gel and the applied DC electric field for curing and measuring, and the response to the applied electric field could be increased by the aligned particles. The mechanical behavior of the gels can be controlled by the electric field strength.