ABSTRACT

This chapter presents a systematical study of the electrical and themomechanical properties of a thermo-moisture responsive polyurethane shapememory polymer (SMP) lled with nano carbon powders (carbon black). It is revealed that the presence of a small amount of carbon powder dramatically improves the strength and electrical conductivity of the polymer, while preserving the good shape-memory. On the other hand, the in uence of moisture on the thermomechanical properties of this type of polyurethane SMP is investigated. The so-called water-actuated recovery is characterized. This

CONTENTS

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 110 5.2 Experiment .................................................................................................. 111

5.2.1 Sample Preparation ....................................................................... 111 5.2.2 Testing ............................................................................................. 111

5.3 Results and Discussion ............................................................................. 116 5.3.1 Electrical Properties....................................................................... 116 5.3.2 Uniaxial Tension at Room Temperature ..................................... 118 5.3.3 Shape Fixity .................................................................................... 119 5.3.4 Heating-Induced Recoverable Strain .......................................... 120 5.3.5 Heating-Induced Recovery Stress ............................................... 122 5.3.6 Water-Actuated Shape Recovery ................................................. 124 5.3.7 Damping Capability ...................................................................... 125 5.3.8 Young’s Modulus ........................................................................... 127

5.4 Conclusions ................................................................................................. 129 References ............................................................................................................. 130

chapter aims at providing the necessary knowledge for engineers in applying this material for engineering applications.