Carbon Nanotubes Embedded Shape Memory Polyurethane Foams

Abstract

Engineering a material with nanoparticles is an attractive strategy to achieve unexpected superior features of materials. Here, we explore smart polymeric composite foams made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) that can be heated with microwaves. The CNTs/SMPU composite foams were fabricated by using a porogen leaching method. It turned out that the composite foams showed not only improved mechanical properties but also unique thermal properties with low CNT content. The addition of CNTs into the foams allows the microwave absorption leading to an increase in the temperature of the foam. The thermo-responsive shape memory characteristics of the foams were evaluated while changing the exposure time of microwave irradiation for the remote shape control. In addition, morphological and thermogravimetric analyses of the foams were carried out. The composite foams developed in this study are expected to broaden the field of view of smart porous materials.