Clay montmorillonite-poly(e-caprolactone) electrospun microfiber/epoxy composites with triple shape memory effect. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Yubing; Qian, Chen; Lu, Jian; Fu, Yaqin
• Is Part Of: Pigment & resin technology. Volume 47:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Clay montmorillonite -- Electrospun -- Epoxy composites -- Poly (e-caprolactone) -- Triple-shape memory effect; Protective coatings -- Periodicals; 667.62305
• DOI: 10.1108/PRT-01-2017-0005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0369-9420

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Epoxy (EP) and polye-caprolactone (PCL) are typical dual-shape memory polymer (DSMP). To get excellent triple-shape memory effect (TSME) polymer composites which are made from EP and PCL. Miscible PCL/EP blend composites have been investigated and compared to the TSMEs with electrospun PCL microfiber membranes/EP composites. Clay montmorillonite (MMT)-modified electrospun PCL microfiber membranes were prepared to improve the shape memory fixities of electrospun PCL microfiber membranes/EP composites. Design/methodology/approach: The morphologies of electrospun PCL microfiber membranes and the cross section of PCL/EP composites were studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and the existence of MMT was confirmed by a transmission electron microscope. Thermal mechanical properties were observed by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a dynamic thermomechanical analysis machine, and the TSMEs were also determined through dynamic mechanical analysis. Findings: Results indicate that the TSMEs of electrospun PCL microfiber membranes/EP composites were excellent, whereas the TSMEs of PCL/EP blend composites were poor. The TSMEs of PCL electrospun microfiber membranes/EP composites significantly improved with the addition of the PCL electrospun microfiber modified with moderate MMT. Research limitations/implications: Adding a moderate content of MMT into the electrospun PCL fibers, could improve the TSME of the PCL fiber membranes/EP composites. This study was to create a simple and effective method that can be applied to improve the performance of other SMP. Originality/value: A novel triple-shape memory composite were made from dual-shape memory EP and electrospun PCL fiber membranes.