Electro-Active Polymer (EAP) Technologies
Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc. (SPS) has licensed, from Pennsylvania State University, patents for high dielectric constant polymers. These patents are for dielectric films based on proprietary blends of oriented fluoropolymers.
Capacitors that use these polymer films for their dielectrics combine high energy density with low dielectric loss, fast discharge (microseconds), and graceful failure (catastrophic failure does not occur due to local defects). These characteristics make our polymer the optimum material to use to develop next-generation electrical power systems where efficiency, size, longevity, and peak performance must all be optimized. Defibrillators, power electronics, hybrid electric vehicles, direct energy weaponsÑindeed, any applications that require a conductive material with high energy storage, high and rapid discharge efficiency, and high peak power outputÑcan all benefit from the efficiencies this polymer film can offer.
For technical data related to the performance, please read our white papers:
In addition to dielectric films for advanced capacitors, SPS has also developed a series of oriented fluoropolymer films that exhibit state-of-the-art actuation capabilities without the need for electrolytes. These films exhibit 70 times the strain response of other piezoelectronic actuator materials and operate at lower voltages than competing piezoelectric films. These materials are being targeted at the medical device market where microsteerable cardiac ablation catheters using these films could make lifesaving treatments for atrial fibrillation easier, safer, cheaper, and more effective than existing systems using mechanical devices to provide steering capability.
In addition to those applications listed above SPS is also actively developing advanced solid state cooling technology based on the Electro-Caloric Effect (ECE) based on the EAP materials.