Effect of TiO2 filler on dielectric properties and power generation of dielectric elastomers

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are gaining attention as materials for power generation, valued for their high elasticity, response speed, and energy density. Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) leverage these properties, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy via capacitance changes during deformation. This study aims to enhance DEG performance by adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles to a highly durable, silicone-based DE. We systematically evaluated how the amount and shape of TiO2 affect the composite's dielectric properties and power generation characteristics under large deformation. The results showed that while the addition of TiO2 increased the permittivity, excessive amounts of TiO2 impaired the material's mechanical properties, thus affecting power generation efficiency. By evaluating these fundamental electromechanical properties, this study provides suggestions for designing high-performance DEG materials and proposes an integrated physics-based model for predicting their behavior.