Thermal-mechanical properties of polyurethane-clay shape memory polymer nanocomposites

Bin Xu, Yong Qing Fu, Wei Min Huang, Yu Tao Pei, Zhen Guo Chen, Jeff T M De Hosson, Arno Kraft, R. L. Reuben

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shape memory nanocomposites of polyurethane (PU)-clay were fabricated by melt mixing of PU and nano-clay. Based on nano-indentation and microhardness tests, the strength of the nanocomposites increased dramatically as a function of clay content, which is attributed to the enhanced nanoclay-polymer interactions. Thermal mechanical experiments demonstrated good mechanical and shape memory effects of the nanocomposites. Full shape memory recovery was displayed by both the pure PU and PU-clay nanocomposites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)31-39
Number of pages9
JournalPolymers
Volume2
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • Microhardness
  • Nano-clay
  • Nanocomposites
  • Polyurethane
  • Shape memory
  • Vickers indentation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

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