Carbon-based reinforcement in shape-memory polymer composite for electrical actuation
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to present a systematic and up-to-date account of carbon-based reinforcements, including carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanofibre (CNF), carbon black (CB), carbon fibre (CF) and grapheme, in shape-memory polymer (SMP) for electrical actuation.
Design/methodology/approach
Studies exploring carbon-based reinforcement in SMP composites for electrically conductive performance and Joule heating triggered shape recovery have been included, especially for the principle design, characterisation and shape recovery behaviour, making the article a comprehensive account of the systemic progress in SMP composite incorporating conductive carbon reinforcement.
Findings
SMPs are fascinating materials and have attracted great academic and industrial attention owing to their significant macroscopic shape deformation in the presence of an appropriate stimulus. The working mechanisms, the physico requirements and the theoretical origins of the different types of carbon-based reinforcement SMP composites have been discussed. Current research and development on the fabrication strategies of carbon-based reinforcement SMP composites have been summarised.
Research limitations/implications
A systematic review is to evaluate carbon-based reinforcements in SMPs for electrical actuation and discuss recent developments and future applications.
Practical implications
Carbon-based reinforcements in SMPs can be used as smart deployable space structure in the broad field of aerospace technologies.
Originality/value
To reveal the research and development of utilising CNT, CNF, CB, CF and grapheme to achieve shape recovery of SMP composites through electrically resistive heating, which will significantly benefit the research and development of smart materials and systems.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work has been financially supported by “the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. HIT.BRETIV.201304)”, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant No. 51103032) and special funding of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2012T50328).
Citation
Lu, H., Yao, Y. and Lin, L. (2014), "Carbon-based reinforcement in shape-memory polymer composite for electrical actuation", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 26-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-08-2013-0075
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited