Thermally Trigged Self-Healing Smart Shape Memory Polymer Composite

Abstract

Temperature-responsive self-actuating PU/MWCNTs composites were prepared with micro-compounder through in-situ polymerization. For making of 1CNTPU composite sample 1 part per hundred multiwall Carbone nanotubes (MWCNTs) were reinforced into the neat polyurethane (PU) base matrix. Surface characterizations for pure and composite have studying by using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), high resolutions Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Properties like shape recovery, storage modulus, loss modulus, tensile stress, degree of hardness, and flexural stress were significantly enhanced for 1CNTPUdesignation composite sample. Temperature-responsive shape recoverable tests have exhibited by using excellent-quality Infrared (IR) Thermal Imager. Shape memorised polymer composite has using various self-actuating, sensor and actuators, and remote sensing smart devices nowadays. Shape memory and mechanical properties both were studied and it was found that, for composite sample the properties is superior as comparatively neat polyurethane sample. Shape memory properties like Storage modulus, loss modulus, and shape recovery also improved for composite sample. The 99% thermal shape recovery within 60 seconds was observed for 1 CNTPU sample whereas, only 70% shape recovery within 60 seconds for pure polyurethane sample. the glass transition temperature also influence by the crystallinity nature of reinforced particles in neat polyurethane matrix. Glass transition (Tg) temperature has improved due to the reinforcement of 1 phr multiwall CNTs in the pure PUs matrix which increase the crystallinity nature of composite sample and reduces the amorphous nature.