Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) are deformable dielectrics that can be used as active materials in mechatronic transducers, such as actuators, sensors and generators. Focusing on actuation systems, several kinds of DE actuators have been proposed in the literature, being characterized by various shapes/sizes and disparate performances in terms of efficiency, force/power densities and reliability. In any case, up to date, these devices are mostly based on either silicone or acrylic elastomers. On the other hand, actuator prototypes, which exploit the electromechanical properties of styrenic rubber, have been scarcely considered. Therefore, in this paper, a styrene-based-rubber Lozenge-Shaped DE Actuator (LS-DEA) is proposed and its performance are empirically evaluated. In particular, after material characterization and on the basis of a design procedure previously proposed by the authors, it is practically shown how it is possible to optimize the LS-DEA elastic response in order to tailor the application requirements and also (if needed) to obtain a nearly-zero mechanical stiffness. Several experimental results are henceforth provided, as a basis to highlight advantages and disadvantages of styrenic rubber LS-DEA over similar acrylic or silicone-based devices
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