An improved electroactive polymer for optical applications

This paper investigates various experimental techniques of improving the optical properties as well as the electroactive characteristics of polyurethane polymer films for smart lens applications. Two experimental methods are used for preparing the films, the first consists of molding the polymer under various pressure and temperature conditions while the second is based on producing films of various thicknesses by the solvent casting method using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent followed by a 100degreesC annealing in vacuum for 30 min. Sample films of 50 min diameter are rigidly attached to circular frames and tested under applied field in the range of 30-80 kV/mm. The first method produces thicker and stiffer films with deformation response in the order of 0.8 mm; however, they are translucent. The second method results in thinner films with lower flexibility and reasonable electro-active response in the order of 0.3 mm. The transparency of the latter samples is excellent and closes the gap to produce a smart lens.