Thermomechanical characterization of environmentally conditioned shape memory polymer using nanoindentation

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

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

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are an emerging class of active polymers that have dual-shape capability, and are therefore candidate materials for multifunctional reconfigurable structures (i.e., morphing structures). However, the SMPs have not been fully tested to work in relevant environments (variable activation temperature, fuel and water swell, UV radiation, etc.) required for Air Force missions. In this study, epoxy-based SMPs were conditioned separately in simulated service environments designed to be reflective of anticipated performance requirements, namely, (1) exposure to UV radiation for 125 cycles, (2) immersion in jet-oil at ambient temperature, (3) immersion in jet-oil at 49°C, and (4) immersion in water at 49°C. The novel high-temperature indentation method was used to evaluate the mechanical properties and shape recovery ability of the conditioned SMPs. Results show that environmentally conditioned SMPs exhibit higher moduli in comparison to an unconditioned one. During free recovery, the indentation impressions of all SMPs disappeared as temperature reached above Tg, indicating that the material's ability to regain shape remains relatively unchanged with conditioning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2010
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2010 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 8 2010Mar 11 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7644
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceBehavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period3/8/103/11/10

Keywords

  • Environmental conditioning
  • Nanoindentation
  • Shape memory polymer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thermomechanical characterization of environmentally conditioned shape memory polymer using nanoindentation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this