Maximizing Dielectric Elastomer Composite Efficiency through Multi-Criteria Decision Making and Fillers Selection

Reinforcement of fillers in dielectric elastomers is recognized as the most practiced technique to improve their electromechanical properties and actuation performance. However, the selection of fillers feasible to tune material properties to a desired level is still challenging work due to the involvement of several conditions that must be satisfied to maximize energy conversion efficiency. To ease such issues, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques provide state-of-the-art methods to solve similar problems in industries. This work demonstrates the potential of the MCDM technique to help in the selection of fillers by analyzing available data on PDMS composite comprising barium titanate (BT) and calcium copper titanate oxide (CCTO) as fillers. The study employs TOPSIS and VIKOR methods to evaluate and prioritize different fillers based on criteria including elastic modulus, dielectric constant, electrical breakdown strength, tensile strength, and actuation performance. Through systematic statistical analysis, the research demonstrates the effectiveness of the MCDM approach over existing methods. Results from both MCDM methods are compared and validated through the evaluation of energy conversion efficiency using Figure of Merit (FoM) for dielectric elastomer based actuators and electromechanical sensitivity of the elastomer film. Estimation for best filler particulates by both MCDM approaches is found for BT particles based PDMS elastomer. Whereas rankings obtained by FoM and electromechanical sensitivity relationship are found for different composites. This work insight solutions to problems linking the consideration of various material properties to meet specific applications.