"EAP is a polymer actuator that converts electrical power into mechanical force. In principle it consists of a thin layer of very elastic acrylic tape sandwiched between two electrodes. Once the voltage in the range of several kilovolts is applied between the electrodes, the polymer rubber changes its shape in two ways.
First, due to the attraction of the opposing charges, the film is squeezed in the thickness direction (up to 380%), secondly, the repelling forces between equal charges on both electrodes result in a linear expansion of the film.
As a result, after actuation, the film becomes thinner and its surface biggerarea increases.
If the supportive frame is flexible, due to the initial pre-stretching of the acrylic film, the frame bends. After application of voltage, the material expands, and the component flattens out."
APPLICATION AND RELEVANCE TO THE ASSIGNMENT?
In the hope of creating an interactive and adaptable structure I have to put considerable research and thought into the type of materials that will be used, both in relation to the concept and the idea of biomimicry. This example, although is not presented from a sustainability perspective, fits in with the theme of adaptable architecture. The use of hardware and software could be taken in a literal sense and I could actually have permeable and non permeable aspects to my building. A material such as this could provide the threshold between permanent sections. I can take the idea (and possibly form) of this material and apply it to the notion of the human vein and try to come up with an idea for a primary material.
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