Thermal and electrical dual-triggered shape memory composites were prepared by introducing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) matrix. The morphology of the composites was investigated by scanning electron microscope, and the CNTs exhibited good dispersion in the EUG matrix. The well-dispersed CNTs built a conductive network in the EUG matrix, generating electric current induced heat. The composites showed the shape memory effect upon stimulation by heat and electricity. The composites exhibited increased shape recovery speed with the increase in CNTs content and applied voltage. Furthermore, the composites recovered to 90% of their initial length within 36 V (AC), which is safe for humans. This work provides a feasible material with dual-triggered shape memory characteristics, which can find potential applications in medicine devices.
Herein, high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding bio-based composites were prepared by using EUG (Eucommia ulmoides gum) with a crystalline structure as the matrix and carbon nanotube (CNT)/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) hybrids as the conductive fillers. The morphology of the CNT/GNP hybrids in the CNT/GNP/EUG composites showed the uniform distribution of CNTs and GNPs in EUG, forming a denser filler network, which afforded improved conductivity and EMI shielding effect compared with pure EUG. Accordingly, EMI shielding effectiveness values of the CNT/GNP/EUG composites reached 42 dB in the X-band frequency range, meeting the EMI shielding requirements for commercial products. Electromagnetic waves were mainly absorbed via conduction losses, multiple reflections from interfaces and interfacial dipole relaxation losses. Moreover, the CNT/GNP/EUG composites exhibited attractive mechanical properties and high thermal stability. The combination of excellent EMI shielding performance and attractive mechanical properties render the as-prepared CNT/GNP/EUG composites attractive candidates for various applications.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.