Turning EAP materials into actuators-of-choice requires a well established
infrastructure. This involves improving the understanding of the basic principles
that drive the various EAP materials. It is also necessary to develop a
comprehensive material science, as well as effective electro-mechanics analytical
tools and material processing techniques. Efforts are underway to study the
parameters that control EAP electro-activation force and deformation and many
successes have been reported. The processes of synthesizing, fabricating,
electroding, shaping and handling are being refined to maximize the actuation
capability and robustness of EAP materials. Methods of reliably characterizing
the response of these materials are being developed and efforts are being made to
establish a database with documented material properties in order to support
design engineers who are considering the use of these materials.