Insights of 3D-printed dielectric elastomer layers: Electrical and mechanical properties, and prospects for artificial muscle applications

3D printing of dielectric elastomers (DEs) opens new possibilities for next-generation soft actuators, offering greater flexibility. Additive manufacturing (AM) enables complex, customizable geometries that traditional fabrication methods cannot achieve. In this study, the potential of Elastic 50A as a candidate material for DE development is explored. It is demonstrated that dielectric constant of Elastic 50A increases with decreasing thickness, reaching a maximum value of 8.09 at 0.66 mm. The highest Maxwell stress is observed at 0.50 mm thickness, confirming thinner elastomer layers have better actuation performance. Additionally, Elastic 50A-polylactic acid (PLA) bilayers were fabricated to evaluate the influence of substrate coupling. Compared with the pure Elastic 50A samples, the bilayers exhibited enhanced electric breakdown strength and energy at break. However, reduction in some electrical and mechanical parameters was observed. These findings emphasize that further optimization of interfacial properties is essential for achieving efficient and reliable 3D-printed DE systems.