Development of Fiber Reinforced Infra-Red (IR) Light Activated Shape Memory Polymer (SMPs) Materials A Framework for Evaluation of Structural Performance, Self Repairing Capabilities and Long-Term Behavior

Abstract

The Shape Memory Polymers (SMP) are capable of recovering their original shapes upon exposure to an external stimulus such as electricity, magnetic field, heat, moisture, microwave and light. They are lightweight, have a high strain shape recovery ability are easy to process and required properties can be tailored for different applications. Most interestingly light-activated SMP actuators can be activated remotely sending IR light through fibre-optic cables. Non-contact activation of the shape memory effect (SME) is an intrinsic requirement especiallyin sheltered or no-touch environments, for example inside the human body in biomedical applications. The polymeric nature of the SMP and its poor stiffness have resulted in considerable difficulty in incorporating these materials in real structural application. To overcome the inherent low stiffness, low stress recovery, and low electrical conductivity, Multi Walled Carbon Nano-Tubes filled (MWCNT), Glass Fibre Reinforced SMP Composites (SMPC) has been proposed. This proposal will scientifically investigate (a) light-activated shape recovery, mechanical and structural properties of fibre reinforced SMP composites; (b) effects of temperature variation on shape recovery, self-healing phenomenon and fatigue/fracture behaviour due to thermal cycles and dynamic loading. The set outcomes of this project will be achieved through a systematically planned laboratory testing program. The thermo- mechanical properties of SMP and SMPC will be established. Further the shape recovery and SMP activation through embedded fibre optic fibres will be thoroughly investigated. The outcomes of the project will set a number of benchmarks for enhanced performance of glass fibre/MWCNT reinforced SMP composites.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 06, 2020
Accession Number
AD1111659

Entities

People

  • Jayantha Epaarachchi

Organizations

  • University of Southern Queensland

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Australia
  • Carbon Fibers
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Electrical Conductivity
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Fibers
  • Glass Fibers
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Polymer Matrix Composites

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Reinforced Composite Materials

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology