Carbon fiber fabric/epoxy composites with electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to discuss the effect of carbon fiber on the electric-respone of shape memory epoxy property. Epoxy (EP) is a typical excellent thermosetting shape memory polymer (SMP). To enrich the shape memory epoxy (SMEP) responsive mode, the carbon fiber fabric-reinforced SMEP composites were prepared, and the mechanical properties and the electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect of the composites were investigated and confirmed. Design/methodology/approach The carbon fiber fabric/SMEP composites were prepared via a dipping method. The carbon fiber fabric was dipped into the waterborne epoxy emulsion and dried at room temperature and then post-cured in the oven at 120 °C for 2 h. The mechanical properties and the multi-responsive shape memory properties of the composites were tested and confirmed via tensile test instrument, DC electrical source and near-infrared (NIR) laser source control system. Findings The carbon fiber fabric/SMEP composites showed excellent electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect. Research limitations/implications High performance and multi-responsive shape memory materials have always been the goal of the scientists. Carbon fiber fabric and SMEP both consist of a good reputation in the field of composites, and the combination of both would set a solid foundation for getting a high performance and multi-responsive shape memory effect materials, which will enrich the responsive mode and broaden the application of SMEP. Originality/value Multi-responsive SMEP composites were prepared from waterborne epoxy and carbon fiber fabric.