Abstract

Artificial muscles refer to materials that can produce natural muscle-like strain and response under the control of external stimulations. Due to their fascinating functions, they are very important to the research community. Due to the rapid progress in new materials and technologies, the last 30 years have witnessed tremendous development in artificial muscle research. Among the potential materials, electroactive polymers (EAPs) hold significant promise for applications as artificial muscles due to their merits of high strain, light weight, unique flexibility, and low cost. This chapter summarizes the properties and applications of EAPs as functional materials for artificial muscles and outlines the classification, working principles, and research status of EAPs. Then, the specific application of EAPs as artificial muscles is summarized. Finally, prospects and outlook for EAPs for further investigation and practical applications are discussed.