Shape memory effects of environmentally conditioned shape memory polymers studied by nanoindentation

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

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

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been candidate materials for morphing applications. However, the SMPs have not been fully tested to work in relevant environments required for Air Force missions. In this study, an epoxy-based SMP was separately exposed to moisture, lubricating oil and UV radiation which are simulated service environments designed to be reflective of anticipated performance requirements. The thermomechanical properties and shape memory effects were studied by using novel high-temperature nanoindentation technique. Results show that environmental conditions have affected the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of the SMPs. In most cases, the conditioned SMPs exhibited higher elastic moduli than the unconditioned SMP. The shape recovery ability of the SMP was assessed by creating an indent and then observing the corresponding recovery according to the standard shape memory cycle. It was found that the deformation was mostly recovered for both conditioned and unconditioned SMP samples on heating the material above its glass transition temperature.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSAMPE 2010 Conference and Exhibition "New Materials and Processes for a New Economy"
StatePublished - 2010
EventSAMPE 2010 Conference and Exhibition "New Materials and Processes for a New Economy" - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: May 17 2010May 20 2010

Publication series

NameInternational SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition (Proceedings)
ISSN (Print)0891-0138

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE 2010 Conference and Exhibition "New Materials and Processes for a New Economy"
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period5/17/105/20/10

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science (all)
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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