Electrostrictive polyurethane elastomer films were prepared using the solvent casting technique with tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent followed by annealing at 95°C in vacuum for 45 minutes. Sample films of 50mm diameter were rigidly attached to circular frames and tested under applied field in the range of 0-25 kV/mm and tested under various environmental conditions. To investigate the electroactive response and optical properties of these lens-type films, single and two-layer lenses were made of these films. Each film was stretched and coated on both sides by depositing conductive and transparent polypyrrole polymer. Various film thicknesses were tested for transmission and reflection. 83% light transmittance was achieved for each individual coated film. The deformation response in the single layer is 0.2mm when subjected to a DC voltage of 17.73kV. This translates into a lens focal length of 1.871 m and a power of +0.534 DS. However, the two layer lens offers deformation in the order of 0.59 mm, which translates into a 0.317 m focal length and a +3.152 DS power when subjected to the same voltage. Further suggestions for improvement are proposed.

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