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A Hybrid Syntactic Foam-Based Open-Cell Foam with Reversible Actuation
Siavash Sarrafan1, Guoqiang Li1
1Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana70803, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 4, 2022
Summary
We developed a novel hybrid open-cell foam with reversible actuation, achieving low density and high performance. This advanced material offers significant potential for smart applications requiring adjustable properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Open-cell foams with reversible actuation are desirable for advanced applications but difficult to produce at very low densities.
- Previous work established syntactic foams with enhanced properties using hollow glass microbubbles in cis-poly(1,4-butadiene) (cPBD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel concept for fabricating hybrid two-way (2W) shape memory open-cell foams.
- To explore the properties and potential applications of these novel hybrid foams.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a two-way shape-memory-polymer-based syntactic foam as the matrix.
- Employing the salt-leaching method to create the open-cell structure.
- Characterizing mechanical, thermal, and functional properties.
Main Results:
- Achieved reversible actuation strain up to 50% and a very low density of 0.07 g/cm³.
- Demonstrated high energy output (0.23 J/g), tensile strength (0.84 MPa), and elongation at break (339%).
- Exhibited excellent thermal stability (peak decomposition at 450 °C) and capabilities for Joule heating and strain sensing.
Conclusions:
- The developed hybrid open-cell foam possesses a unique combination of properties, including reversible actuation and low density.
- Mechanical properties align with the Gibson-Ashby model for porous materials.
- The material's functionalities open possibilities for applications such as adjustable filters, insulators, sealers, and smart scaffolds.
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