Electrically active polymers

Electrically active polymers are a class of materials also know as smart materials, composed primarily of high density plastics doped with various conductors or semiconductors. Under the influence of electricity the material changes it physical properties, becoming more flexible or stiffer, changing shape, emitting hear or light, or making changes to its optical properties.

Other smart materials respond to changes in temperature, light, magnetic fields, stress, moisture, or other stimuli.

Early (TL6) examples of such materials are liquid crystal displays and other optical devices.

By TL8 a whole range of materials has come into common use for industrial. military and consumer use.

One major application is the construction of artificial muscle, used in Robotics. The applied electrical field causes the material to contract strongly over a short distance (usually about 1%-2%). The amount of contraction and the force applied can be controlled precisely by the amount of current supplied to the polymer. By TL9 the artificial muscle is used as the prime driver for powered battledress systems. The civilian applications are too numerous to mention, as anything that requires movement now has long lasting motivator with no moving parts.

Industrial applications include various filtration systems, where the periability to gas or liquid can be altered continuously.

Electrochromographic materials can change colors under the electrical fields. The military application as continuous active camouflage is applied early, but quickly adopted by civilian use for advertising, clothing and numerous other applications.