Abstract
In this work, a study on the dual-shape and triple-shape memory response of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer, EMAA, and its counterpart neutralized with sodium salt, EMAA-Na has been report. Moreover, both matrices were reinforced with silica nanoparticles in different amount. Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were studied confirming the good dispersion of the nanoparticles into both polymeric matrices. The addition of silica nanoparticles increases the mechanical response of both polymeric matrices without affecting their shape memory response leading to a possible increasing use of both polymers in the industry. Moreover, the ionomeric polymer reinforced with 1 wt.% silica nanoparticles present excellent thermally activated triple-shape memory response.
Highlights
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials with the capability to change their shape when an external stimulus is applied, such as temperature [1,2,3], humidity [4,5], pH [6], light [7] or an electric field [8] by fixing a temporary shape
A temperature above the the polymer (Tm) of the PE secondary crystals was taken as Tsw
For EMAA-Na ionomer-based materials we considered that PE crystals act as the switching network while the permanent network is ensured by the ionic interaction and the ionic clusters
Summary
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials with the capability to change their shape when an external stimulus is applied, such as temperature [1,2,3], humidity [4,5], pH [6], light [7] or an electric field [8] by fixing a temporary shape. Non-direct stimuli only act in the recovery stage, i.e. electric and magnetic fields, pH or humidity stimuli, needing the help of temperature as external stimulus, in the programming stage [12] It is understandable why, in general, thermally activated shape memory polymers are the most studied SMPs. In heating-responsive SMPs, the switching domains are associated to a transition temperature (Ttrans). The sample is heated to a temperature above Ttrans
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
