Bio‐based hyperbranched polyurethane/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites as shape memory materials

Abstract

The bio‐based shape memory polymers have generated immense interest as advanced smart materials. Mesua ferrea L. seed oil‐based hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU)/Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites were prepared by the in‐situ polymerization technique. The transmission electron microscopy confirmed the homogeneous distribution of the Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles in polymer matrix, whereas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study revealed the presence of strong interfacial interactions between them. The incorporation of Fe 3 O 4 (0 to 10 wt%) into the HBPU resulted in an increase in tensile strength (5.5–15 MPa) and scratch resistance (3–6 kg). The thermo‐gravimetric analysis indicated the improvement of thermal stability (240–270°C) of the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites exhibited full shape fixity, as well as almost full shape recovery under the microwave stimulus. The shape recovery speed increased with the increase of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles content in the nanocomposites. Thus, the studied nanocomposites might be used as advanced shape memory materials in different potential fields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.