Shape memory effect and thermomechanical properties of shape memory polymer fabric composite in tension mode

Abstract

Fibers and fabrics are often used to reinforce shape memory polymers (SMPs) to improve their mechanical strength and properties, and the composites have been widely used in engineering. However incorporation of fibers and fabrics in SMPs are often accompanied with the degradation of thermal mechanical properties and shape memory effect. The thermomechanical properties and degradation mechanisms of a shape-memory polymer composite (SMPC) were investigated. Up to 100% extension, the SMPCs showed good shape memory effect with excellent recovery ratio, recovery stress and mechanical properties; while beyond that the recovery ratio and stress of the composites deteriorate rapidly due to the significant delamination and debonding of fibers and fabrics from the SMP resin and accumulation of broken fibers.