Room temperature deformable shape memory composite with fine‐tuned crystallization induced via nanoclay particles

ABSTRACT It is known that particular types of semi‐crystalline/elastomer polymer blends exhibit shape memory effects (SME) due to the dispersion of two immiscible phases. In this study, the crystal structure of polylactic acid (PLA)/ thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based shape memory polymer (SMP)...

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Published in:Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Polymer physics, 2017-08, Vol.55 (16), p.1197-1206
Main Authors: Sun, Yu‐Chen, Cai, Shenyang, Ren, Jie, E. Naguib, Hani
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alloys
annealing
Biodegradable materials
Crystal structure
Crystallinity
Crystallization
Elastomers
Formability
Mechanical properties
MMT nanoclay
Montmorillonite
nanocomposites
Particulate composites
Plastic deformation
Polylactic acid
Polymer blends
Polymer matrix composites
Polyurethane resins
Recovery
Room temperature
Shape memory
shape memory polymer
Stretching
Urethane thermoplastic elastomers
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Summary:ABSTRACT It is known that particular types of semi‐crystalline/elastomer polymer blends exhibit shape memory effects (SME) due to the dispersion of two immiscible phases. In this study, the crystal structure of polylactic acid (PLA)/ thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based shape memory polymer (SMP) is altered by incorporating small amounts of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay. The results indicate the incorporation of MMT can improve the compatibility of the two different polymers. Moreover, the presence of MMT affects the total crystallinity of the SMP and improves mechanical properties. Lastly, uniaxial stretching deformation can be applied to the SMP at room temperature conditions while maintaining its shape memory properties. With 1 wt % MMT particles, the recovery ratio (Rr) was nearly 95%, which indicated a strong recovery effect. The shape‐fixing ratio (Rf) remained above 95% for all composites due to plastic deformation applied at room temperature. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1197–1206 PLA/TPU/MMT Nanoclay blends demonstrate superior shape memory effect with room temperature deformable capability. By adding 1 wt % MMT nanoclay content into the polymer blend, crystallinity of the composite can be fine‐tuned and shows 95% recovery ratio when stretched 100% under room temperature condition.
ISSN:0887-6266
1099-0488
DOI:10.1002/polb.24370