Carbon fiber fabric/epoxy composites with electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect
ISSN: 0369-9420
Article publication date: 11 June 2020
Issue publication date: 22 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to discuss the effect of carbon fiber on the electric-respone of shape memory epoxy property. Epoxy (EP) is a typical excellent thermosetting shape memory polymer (SMP). To enrich the shape memory epoxy (SMEP) responsive mode, the carbon fiber fabric-reinforced SMEP composites were prepared, and the mechanical properties and the electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect of the composites were investigated and confirmed.
Design/methodology/approach
The carbon fiber fabric/SMEP composites were prepared via a dipping method. The carbon fiber fabric was dipped into the waterborne epoxy emulsion and dried at room temperature and then post-cured in the oven at 120 °C for 2 h. The mechanical properties and the multi-responsive shape memory properties of the composites were tested and confirmed via tensile test instrument, DC electrical source and near-infrared (NIR) laser source control system.
Findings
The carbon fiber fabric/SMEP composites showed excellent electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect.
Research limitations/implications
High performance and multi-responsive shape memory materials have always been the goal of the scientists. Carbon fiber fabric and SMEP both consist of a good reputation in the field of composites, and the combination of both would set a solid foundation for getting a high performance and multi-responsive shape memory effect materials, which will enrich the responsive mode and broaden the application of SMEP.
Originality/value
Multi-responsive SMEP composites were prepared from waterborne epoxy and carbon fiber fabric.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by National Training Programs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates (Grant No. 201910338006), the Key Program for International Science and Technology Cooperation Projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2016YFE0125900), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.5170324), and the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. LY19E030010).
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation
Yu, L., Zhang, T., Wang, W., Dong, Y. and Fu, Y. (2021), "Carbon fiber fabric/epoxy composites with electric- and light-responsive shape memory effect", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 50 No. 5, pp. 377-383. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-10-2019-0096
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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