Infrared Light-Active Shape Memory Polymer Filled with Nanocarbon Particles

In addition to the fabrication of thermoset styrene-based shape memory polymer (SMP) and its nanocomposite filled with nanocarbon particles, this study presents the effect of nanocarbon particles on infrared light-active shape recovery behaviors of this type of SMP material. The experimental results reveal that both pure SMP and SMP filled with nanocarbon particles can be actuated by infrared light in vacuum, while shape memory effect shown by the composite is stronger than that of in pure SMP. Shape memory effect is evaluated by shape recovery ability and shape recovery speed in detail. Moreover, factors which would influence the infrared light-active shape memory effect in SMP with/without nanocarbon particles are explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and infrared absorption characteristic tests. The better shape memory effect of the nanocomposite attributes to its higher storage modulus and higher infrared absorption capability. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 2455-2460, 2009