an inkjet printer printhead utilizes a substrate , an orifice layer , and a directionally biased electrostrictive polymer ink actuator disposed between the orifice layer and the substrate to eject ink from the printhead . the electrostrictive polymer ink actuator has a passivation layer disposed on the substrate , a first compliant electrode disposed at least on a first portion of the passivation layer , an electrostrictive polymer membrane disposed on a first area of the first compliant electrode , a passivation constraint disposed on a second portion of the passivation layer and a second area of the first compliant electrode effectively surrounding , in contact with , but not covering the electrostrictive polymer membrane in the first area of the first compliant electrode , and a second compliant electrode disposed on the passivation constraint which is disposed on the second portion of the passivation layer and the electrostrictive polymer membrane which is disposed on the first area of the first compliant electrode .