Abstract
Thermally-induced shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be fabricated to contain two different components in the structure, namely a stable polymer network and a reversible switching unit, which will enable the shape fixity and shape recovery of SMP. In this work, the effect of the blend ratios of ethylene-co-vinyl acetate and polylactic acid (EVA/PLA) blend on the thermo-responsive and tensile properties were investigated. EVA/PLA blends with different blend ratios were prepared using an internal mixer and then compression moulded to the desired shape for testing. The shape memory properties such as shape fixity ratio (Rf) and shape recovery ratio (Rr) were tested based on bending tests at different deformation and recovery temperatures. Meanwhile, the tensile properties were tested based on ASTM D638 Type IV. The results revealed that EVA85/PLA15 which consists of 85 wt% of EVA and 15 wt% of PLA and possessed morphological characteristic of PLA domains in EVA continuous phase exhibited the optimum Rf and Rr where the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA as switching temperature. Besides that, EVA85/PLA15 blend also showed the most desirable tensile properties with high elongation at break and reasonably good tensile strength.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
