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Acetylated Nanocelluloses Reinforced Shape Memory Epoxy with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Outstanding Shape
Tianyu Yu1, Feilong Zhu1, Xiongqi Peng1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2022
Summary
This study enhances shape memory polymers (SMPs) by incorporating acetylated nanocelluloses (ANCs), significantly improving toughness and mechanical properties. The resulting nanocomposites offer better performance for intelligent applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Shape memory polymers (SMPs) offer large deformation and programmability but suffer from poor toughness and brittleness.
- These limitations hinder their use in advanced applications like flexible electronics and smart textiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the toughness and mechanical properties of epoxy-based shape memory polymers.
- To investigate the effect of nanocellulose reinforcement and surface modification on shape memory behavior.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of shape memory epoxy-based nanocomposites (SMEPNs) using nanocelluloses (NCs).
- Acetylation modification of NCs to improve compatibility with the epoxy matrix.
- Characterization of mechanical properties, including toughness, elastic modulus, and fracture strain.
Main Results:
- Incorporation of acetylated nanocelluloses (ANCs) enhanced storage modulus and maintained the shape memory effect (SME).
- A loading of 0.06 wt.% ANCs resulted in over 42% toughness improvement, enhanced fracture strain, elastic modulus, and ultimate strength.
- Nanoscale ANCs effectively hindered crack propagation without compromising macromolecular mobility.
Conclusions:
- Acetylation modification successfully ameliorated the incompatibility between NCs and epoxy matrix.
- The developed SMEPNs exhibit superior toughness and mechanical performance, alongside excellent shape memory properties.
- These findings pave the way for advanced intelligent applications of shape memory materials.
