Microwave responsive epoxy nanocomposites reinforced by carbon nanomaterials of different dimensions

This study fabricated nanocomposites consisting of epoxy-based shape memory polymer (ESMP) matrix and carbon nanofillers. The nanofillers include zero-dimensional carbon black, one-dimensional multiwalled carbon nanotubes, two-dimensional (2D) graphene nanoplatelets, and three-dimensional (3D) functionalized graphene sheets, which are all efficient microwave-absorbing materials that can transform microwaves into heat energy. As a result, the temperatures of the nanocomposites increased more rapidly than pristine ESMP in microwaves. The functionalized graphene sheets were found to transform the microwaves into heat more efficiently than the other nanofillers. Possible microwave propagation paths in the nanocomposites were proposed. Moreover, the nanocomposites displayed significantly higher mechanical strengths than pristine ESMP. The low cost and strong nanocomposites with fast microwave responses may be applied as actuators or deployable devices in medical treatments. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.