Electroactive polymer actuators and arrays for adjustable breathability in confined building structures (C03)

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The essential research topic in the subproject is to develop new manufacturing and integration techniques for electroactive polymers. Often referred to as 'EAPs' or 'artificial muscles', these flexible elements could be applied in structured actuator arrays acting as surfaces with adjustable breathability in adaptive building structures. They could be used as a means of ventilation and humidity regulation inside enclosed buildings and empower users to regain control over individual comfort requirements. The main challenge in this project is to reproducibly transfer the intrinsic microscopic properties of EAPs to macroscopic systems of shape-shifting surfaces. Such flexible and lightweight actuator arrays with their distinct actuation mechanisms optimized through innovative manufacturing methods could be used in manifold target applications. IFF has a long tradition of transferring technological innovations into the realm of manufacturing and focuses on material synthesis, functionalization, dispersion technology, additive manufacturing and coating technologies.