Development of Nanocomposite Shape Memory Polymers

Shape memory polymers (SMP) are a class of polymers that have the capabilities of actuating systems during their transition from a temporary shape to permanent shape. In many systems, the shape memory effect (SME) can be stimulated by a change in temperature. Since direct heating may not always be applicable, nanocomposite systems have been developed that allow for the remote control of the heating. Specifically, the SMP that has been studied is an epoxy-based system. The nanoparticles studied included iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), which can be remotely heated in 300 kHz and 13.65 MHz radiofrequency (RF) fields, respectively. Different loadings of nanoparticles were incorporated into the SMPs to tailor the remote heating property. DSC and FT-IR characterizations were done to determine the glass transition temperatures and polymer conversions. In addition, a couple potential applications of these systems were demonstrated.