抄録
This paper describes fabrication and characterization of high performance, that is, large deformation and high output force type active laminate using elastomer. The conventional and single active laminate was made by hot-pressing of an aluminum plate as a high CTE material, a unidirectional CFRP prepreg as a low CTE/electric resistance heating material and an epoxy adhesive film as an insulating material. The high performance type active laminate was made by sandwiching a sheet of elastomer between two conventional and single active laminates. The effect of hardness and partial removal of the elastomer on their shape, deformation and output force characteristics were investigated. It was found that the high performance type active laminate doubled the output force of the single active laminate without reducing its actuation capability by laminating a sheet of elastomer of which hardness is very soft or which is partially removed between two conventional and single active laminates.