Development of Graphene Nanoplatelets-Reinforced Thermo-Responsive Shape Memory Nanocomposites for High Recovery Force Applications

Abstract

The development and large-scale implementation of multifunctional advanced materials with smart and intelligent properties like shape memory are very topical. In the present work, we report the development of multifunctional graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-reinforced thermo-responsive shape memory composites, in ether type shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) matrix. A unique twin screw co-rotating microcompounder with a back flow channel was operated to ensure proper dispersion of GNPs in the SMPU matrix for developing different compositions of nanocomposites, namely SMC0, SMC1, SMC2, and SMC3, respectively. The detailed characterizations and properties of the above developed nanocomposites were studied using various complementary techniques for spectroscopy, morphology, mechanical, thermal, shape memory, DMA, etc. The dynamic thermomechanical properties of all the developed nanocomposites were studied at 0.1 and 10 Hz, respectively. Structure of SMP and developed composite were also analyzed using various spectroscopic methods. The addition of GNPs to the SMP matrix improved the mechanical and shape memory properties, although a noticeable impact on thermal property is also reported. The fractured microphotographs reveal the uniform dispersion of GNP in SMPU. Addition of 1 phr GNPs increased storage modulus of SMPU from 3.14 to 4.11 GPa and the value of tan δ peak was decreased from 0.81 to 0.53, respectively. The GNPs in SMPU matrix influences the shape recovery, which is improved with the addition of GNPs in the experimental range.