An electric‐driven variable stiffness morphing skin: Preparation and properties. Issue 3 (10th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ren, Xiaoming; Zhu, Guangming
• Is Part Of: Polymer composites. Volume 43:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 1718
• Page End: 1729
• Publication Date: 2022-01-10
• Subjects: electro‐active -- morphing skins -- shape memory -- thermo‐active -- variable stiffness; Polymeric composites -- Periodicals; 620.192
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.26491
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8397

Abstract

Abstract: With variable stiffness properties, shape memory polymers (SMPs) become the most promising materials of morphing skins. In this article, based on hydro‐epoxy resin/carboxyl‐terminated butadiene acrylonitrile/maleic anhydride matrix, composite morphing skins are prepared by doping conductive carbon black (CB). By adjusting the content of CB, in‐plane and out‐of‐plane properties of skins can be adjusted. Because of the in‐plane tensile stress acting on the skin during flight, tensile test is required. The results indicate that in‐plane tensile strength of skin decreases as the CB content increases. In electrical resistivity test, the electronic resistivity of skin decreases sharply at a low‐percolation threshold (1.9 wt%) and then maintains a low and steady level. As for out‐of‐plane properties, thermo‐ and electro‐active shape memory test are studied. All of the selected typical composite skins have 100% thermo‐driven shape recovery rate. Some skins have 100% thermo‐driven shape fixity rate and fast electro‐active shape recovery speed. When the CB content is 2.6 or 3 wt%, the skin can recover its out‐of‐plane deformed shape completely at 150 V. Benefit from easy control and remote drive, the composite SMP skins are proved to be a promising candidate material for morphing skins. Abstract : The hydro‐epoxy resin/carboxyl‐terminated butadiene acrylonitrile/maleic anhydride/carbon black (CB) shape memory composites are prepared. In‐plane and out‐of‐plane properties of skins can be adjusted by control the content of CB, and the out‐of‐plane shape recovery speed can also be adjusted by voltage. Benefit from easy control and remote drive, the composites with variable stiffness properties are a promising candidate material for morphing skins.