Shape memory studies of functionalized MWNT-reinforced polyurethane copolymers

Shape memory polymers are defined by their ability to store and recover strains when subjected to a particular thermo-mechanical cycle. The thermomechanical behaviour of shape memory polymers can be tailored by modifying the molecular structure of the polymer or by using the polymer as a matrix of multiphase composites. In the present paper, we have presented the shape memory behaviour of functionalized multi-wall carbon nano tube (MWNT) reinforced segmented polyurethane (SPU) copolymer. The experimental results showed that the shape memory effect of developed MWNT reinforced SPU composites were influenced by MWNT weight fraction in the polymer matrix. MWNT At low concentration in the SPU does not have much influence on shape memory behaviour. However, the shape recovery properties were improved for the SPU having 2.5 wt% of MWNT. All the SPU/MWNT-SPU samples showed excellent shape fixity