Effect of the diameter of MWCNTs on shape memory and mechanical properties of polyurethane composites

Abstract

The work reported herein, effect of diameter of reinforced (MWCNTs) on shape memory and mechanical properties of shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane (SMTPU) composites. The composites containing 1 wt.% reinforced having three different MWCNTs outer diametre (OD = 10–20 nm, OD = 30–50 nm, and OD= > 50 nm) with the same length (10–30 μm) were prepared through melt mixing route by using micro-compounder followed by Injection moulding. Shape memory and mechanical properties both were significantly improved for composites. Thicker MWCNTs (at same length) leads to a less number of MWCNTs at a given wt.%, result in less percolated network and larger distance between the indivisual MWCNTs which alter the shape memory and mechanical properties. Furthermore, with increasing the diameter of reinforced MWCNTs at a same wt.% in polyurethane matrix the properties were decreased.