Shape memory composites based on glass-fibre-reinforced poly(ethylene)-like polymers

摘要

The mechanical response of a series of semicrystalline shape memory polymers was considerably enhanced by incorporating short glass fibres without modifying the thermo-responsive actuation based on balanced crystallinity and elasticity. The effect of different fractions of inorganic reinforcement on thermo-mechanical properties was evaluated using different instrument techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and three-point flexural tests. Moreover, we studied the inorganic reinforcement influence on the shape memory actuation capabilities by thermo-mechanical bending cycle experiments. As demonstrated, the manufactured polymer composites showed excellent shape memory capacities, similar to neat active polymer matrices, but with outstanding improvements in static and recovering mechanical performance.