Thermal, mechanical and shape fixity behaviors of shape memory cyanate under γ-ray radiation

Abstract

Smart materials and structures have developed rapidly, especially their application in the aerospace field has been widely valued and recognized in recent years. Shape memory cyanate ester (SMCE) resin as a class of smart polymers has a broad application prospect in space deployable structure due to the high glass transition temperature (Tg) and excellent mechanical properties. In this work, the high storage modulus SMCE resins were prepared by regulating cyanate prepolymer with small molecules, showing high glass transition temperature (Tg > 218℃), high Young’s modulus (E’ > 3.15 GPa), and outstanding γ-ray radiation resistance. The SMCE resins maintained a high shape fixity rate (Rf > 95 %) at high operating temperatures (100 ℃ and 120 ℃) for 30 days, providing a great potential application for active deformation structures. Moreover, the synergy of carboxyl (-COOH) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) and short carbon fibers (CF) enhanced the thermodynamic properties and shape-changing function of the SMCE composites. The spring made by SMCE composite exhibits 360° freedom rotation, which can be used as smart structures in the aerospace field.

4D Printing of Triple-Shape Memory Cyanate Composites Based on Interpenetrating Polymer Network Structures

“…Due to the large amount of triazine rings in the resin, the brittleness and poor deformation ability of the resins greatly limit the application of SMCE in engineering structures; therefore, it is necessary to study their toughening modification. The toughness of pristine cyanate ester (CE) resin is poor, and the fracture strain of modified CE resins at room temperature is difficult to reach more than 10%, especially for thermoset-modified CE resins. − It is found that IPN can enhance the mechanical properties of materials, − and constructing interpenetrating networks in materials may be an excellent way to toughen CE resins. In addition, the preparation of cyanate-based complex structures depends on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology; the second challenge is the successful printing of CE resins.…”

Preparation and Appraisal of High‐Modulus Resin‐Based Composites Reinforced by Silica‐Coated Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes

“…As a high performance thermosetting resin, cyanate ester resin (CE) features outstanding mechanical properties, high temperature resistance, dimensional stability and dielectric properties. [12][13][14][15][16] It also possesses processing properties similar to epoxy resin, presenting good infiltration and lay-up with fiber reinforced materials, and can be molded by advanced processes such as winding, hot press cans and resin transfer molding. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Whereas cyanate resin curing reaction is time consuming and requires high temperature, [24] which sets several hurdles to the processing, and the demanding performance requirements of aerospace satellite structural materials due to the increased crosslink density of the system after curing, resulting in insufficient material toughness.…”

“…As a high performance thermosetting resin, cyanate ester resin (CE) features outstanding mechanical properties, high temperature resistance, dimensional stability and dielectric properties [12–16] . It also possesses processing properties similar to epoxy resin, presenting good infiltration and lay‐up with fiber reinforced materials, and can be molded by advanced processes such as winding, hot press cans and resin transfer molding [17–23] .…”

Influence of gamma irradiation on acrylate‐based shape memory polymers in the presence of various crosslinkers

“…28 Many space environment influences, including as atomic oxygen, high vacuum, cold and thermal cycle, ultraviolet radiation, space debris, and radiation are strongly felt during the life of a spacecraft, which will cause the rapid deterioration of polymer materials. 29,30 The radiation approach offers numerous advantages over other techniques used to create hydrogels, copolymers, and composites since it is an easy, effective, clean, and environmentally friendly process. 31 A deeper understanding of the radiation chemistry of polymer systems is required for the effective implementation and further development of this radiation technique.…”

“…An important area of scientific inquiry has always been the interaction of radiation with materials 28 . Many space environment influences, including as atomic oxygen, high vacuum, cold and thermal cycle, ultraviolet radiation, space debris, and radiation are strongly felt during the life of a spacecraft, which will cause the rapid deterioration of polymer materials 29,30 . The radiation approach offers numerous advantages over other techniques used to create hydrogels, copolymers, and composites since it is an easy, effective, clean, and environmentally friendly process 31 .…”