One-Pot Preparation of Electroactive Shape Memory Polyurethane/Carbon Black Blend

Shape memory polymers are the materials that can recover their original shape after a large deformation when exposed to an external stimulus such as electric field, pH, temperature, light, magnetism or humidity. With these properties, it is possible to use them in many areas in the industry. In this study, a shape-memory polymer compound was developed which is capable of changing its shape when subjected to an external voltage. Electroactive shape memory polymer compound was prepared by mixing commercially available and economically viable thermoplastic shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) with carbon black (CB), which has low cost and high electrical conductivity, by adding at various proportions. Conductivity, structural, morphological, homogeneity, thermal, rheological and shape memory characterizations of the SMPU/CB blend were carried out by four-probe measurements, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analyses, melt flow index (MFI), and a thermal camera imaging methods, respectively. The effects of CB loading ratios on these characteristics of SMPU/CB blends were investigated. It was concluded that SMPU/20CB blend can be used as a commercial material having shape memory characteristics.