An experimental–numerical study on shape memory behavior of PU/PCL/ZnO ternary blend

Abstract

Shape memory polymer composites have attracted significant attention due to novel properties and great applications. In this article, we focus on the fabrication and simulation of polyurethane/polycaprolactone nanocomposites. The polyurethane/polycaprolactone blends containing ZnO nanoparticles (5 to 30 wt%) are fabricated using a solution mixing and casting method. It is found that significant improvement of polyurethane/polycaprolactone composites in Young’s modulus is achieved by incorporating 20 wt% of ZnO nanoparticles; also, the results of the shape recovery ratio reveal that adding an optimum amount of ZnO (the reinforcement) can increase the shape recovery ratio (for 20 wt% of ZnO). These results could most likely be explained by the fact that some particles restrict the hard segment–soft segment interactions and provide more mobility to polycaprolactone components, while the other nanoparticles can act as the nucleating agent for polycaprolactone chains. A generalized Maxwell model is then used to examine the shape memory behavior of shape memory polymer composites. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results are utilized to define the model coefficients and the simulation is carried out to determine the shape recovery ratio. Simulation of this shape recovery ratio for shape memory polymer composites reveals that the numerical results are in good agreement with those of the experimental data.

A comprehensive review on thermomechanical constitutive models for shape memory polymers

“…Besides, from the phase transition view, classical thermomechanical tests, such as uniaxial tension or compression, are necessary. In our group, some experimental studies in this regard have been carried out recently (Abbasi-Shirsavar et al, 2018; Ansari et al, 2019; Roudbarian et al, 2019a, 2019b).…”

A Neuro-Prosthetic Device for Substituting Sensory Functions during Stance Phase of the Gait

“…During the last decade, scientists proposed designs for micro/nano switches [30,31] that can have applications as a structure of implantable electrodes. In addition, biocompatible materials that can be suitably implanted in body and work on body temperature have been investigated, which are suitable to be used as the material of stimulation electrodes [32,33]. For the current device shown in Figure 3, we have used skin electrodes that are safely placed on the skin and stimulate underlying tissue.…”

Numerical investigation of smart auxetic three-dimensional meta-structures based on shape memory polymers via topology optimization

“…On the contrary, pure SMPs have low deformation stiffness and low recovery stress. To overcome these limitations required in some applications, the study of shape memory polymer composite (SMPC) has attracted a great deal of interest (Abbasi-Shirsavar et al, 2019; Gall et al, 2000; Tandon et al, 2010; Yarali et al, 2019). After the introduction of polynorbornene as a smart polymer by CDF Chimie Company in France in 1984, these materials were the subject of many studies (Ratna and Karger-Kocsis, 2008).…”