Shape Memory Polymer Foam Based on Nanofibrillar Composites of Polylactide/Polyamide

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Shape memory polymers (SMPs) offer unique recoverable deformation capabilities.
• Developing advanced polymer foams with enhanced mechanical and shape memory properties is crucial for various applications.
• Polymer-polymer nanocomposites present a promising route to tailor material performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel shape memory polymer foam utilizing polylactide (PLA) and biosourced polyamide (PA).
• To investigate the effect of in situ generated polyamide nanofibers on the foam's cell structure and shape memory behavior.
• To compare the performance of PLA/PA nanocomposite foam with PLA/PA nanoblend foam.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLA/PA foams via in situ fibrillation of polymer blends.
• Utilizing a supercritical CO2 foaming technique for foam creation.
• Characterization of foam morphology, cell structure, and shape memory effect (SME).

Main Results:

• PLA/PA nanocomposite foam exhibited smaller cell sizes and narrower cell size distribution compared to nanoblend foam.
• The entangled nanofibrillar network of 5 wt.% PA significantly reinforced the PLA cell walls.
• Polyamide nanofibers improved shape fixation ratio, recovery ratio, and reduced shape recovery time.

Conclusions:

• The developed PLA/PA nanocomposite foam possesses superior shape memory properties and structural integrity.
• In situ generated polyamide nanofibers are effective reinforcing agents, enhancing foam performance.
• This novel material holds potential for advanced applications requiring robust shape memory capabilities.