High actuation properties of shape memory polymer composite actuator

Abstract

The shape memory polymers (SMPs) possess two shapes: permanent shape and temporary shape. This property leads to replacement of shape memory alloys by SMPs in various applications. In this work, two properties, namely structure activeness and the shape memory property of ‘controlled behavior composite material (CBCM)’ plate and its comparison with the conventional symmetrical composite plate (SYM), are studied. The SMPC plates (CBCM and SYM) are manufactured using epoxy resin with a thermal glass transition temperature (Tg) of 130 °C. The shape memory properties of these composites are investigated (under three-point bending test) and compared by deforming them to the same displacement. Three types of recoveries are conducted: unconstrained recovery, constrained recovery, and partial recovery under load. It is found that by coupling the structure activeness (due to its asymmetry) and its shape memory property, higher activated displacement is obtained during the unconstrained recovery. Also, at a lower recovery temperature (90 °C) than the fixing temperature, a recovery close to 100% is obtained for CBCM, whereas for SYM it is only 25%. During constrained recovery, CBCM produces five times larger recovery force than SYM. In addition, higher actuation properties are demonstrated by calculating recovered work and recovery percentages during partial recovery under load.

Review of Progress in Shape Memory Epoxies and Their Composites

“…To make use of this microbuckling, however, attention should be paid on the right selection of the matrix, fibre/matrix adhesion and adjustment of the shape programming procedure to the composite’s properties [ 145 ]. Basit et al [ 148 , 149 , 150 ] prepared layered composites with symmetric and asymmetric hybrid reinforcements and studied their SM properties in bending mode both in unconstrained and constrained conditions in cyclic tests. Note that unconstrained testing is accompanied with stress free deformation and thus suited to determine R f .…”

Shape-Memory Polymers Hallmarks and Their Biomedical Applications in the Form of Nanofibers

“…The reversible SME occurred as reversible shifts between shape A at T high and shape B at T low (Figure 2). The shape shifts occurred at the same temperature independent from the shape shifting geometry [22][23][24][25][26][27]. PPD-PCL.…”

Recent advances in shape memory epoxy resins and composites

“…To make use of this microbuckling, however, attention should be paid on the right selection of the matrix, fiber/matrix adhesion and adjustment of the shape programming procedure to the composite's properties. Basit et al [49][50][51] prepared layered composites with symmetric and asymmetric hybrid reinforcements and studied their SM properties in bending mode both in unconstrained and constrained conditions in cyclic tests. Note that unconstrained testing is accompanied with stress free deformation and thus suited to determine R f .…”