Shape recovery in a thermoset shape memory polymer and its fabric-reinforced composites

A shape memory polymer (SMP) can be deformed from a permanent to a temporary shape above their transformation temperature. Upon reheating, the SMP spontaneously returns to the permanent shape. SMP's show high deformability, but the recovery stresses are very low, thus limiting the size of the components. This paper presents the first results of an ongoing research to develop large sized components based on SMP. To achieve higher recovery stresses, asymmetric fibre reinforced shape memory composites were produced (SMPC) using resin transfer moulding. The results show a 30fold increase in recovery stress, compared to the neat SMP resin. The recovery stress is independent of the deformation temperature, but is strongly affected by the degree of deformation. At higher deformation levels, crazing occurs. Even though the visible effects of the crazing disappear during reheating, it does influence the recovery stress. This indicates that the ability to recover the permanent shape might change in cyclic loading. All composites tested show complete recovery upon reheating. The rate of shape recovery is higher when the fibre reinforcement is loaded in compression.