Multiscale characterization of water-, oil- and UV-conditioned shape-memory polymer under compression

J. T. Fulcher, H. E. Karaca, G. P. Tandon, D. C. Foster, Y. C. Lu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are an emerging class of active polymers that may be used for reconfigurable structures on air vehicles. In this study, epoxy-based SMPs were conditioned separately in simulated service environments relevant to Air Force missions, namely, (1) exposure to UV radiation, (2) immersion in jet-oil, and (3) immersion in water. The mechanical properties and shape recovery abilities of the unconditioned and conditioned SMPs were examined using large-scale compressive tests and small-scale nano-indentation tests. Results show that all the conditioned SMPs exhibit a decrease in Tg as compared to the unconditioned one. Under compressive loading, the SMPs undergo significant plastic deformation prior to fracture, except the UV conditioned sample. Environmentally conditionings generally result in higher moduli and yield strength of the SMPs. Environmental conditionings, in particular the UV exposure and water immersion, also affect the shape recovery abilities of the SMPs if the recovery temperatures are set low.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMechanics of Time-Dependent Materials and Processes in Conventional and Multifunctional Materials - Proceedings of the 2011 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
Pages97-103
Number of pages7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event2011 SEM Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics - Uncasville, CT, United States
Duration: Jun 13 2011Jun 16 2011

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series
Volume3
ISSN (Print)2191-5644
ISSN (Electronic)2191-5652

Conference

Conference2011 SEM Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityUncasville, CT
Period6/13/116/16/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Engineering
  • Computational Mechanics

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