Temperature-Induced Shape Memory Characteristics of Epoxy Resin-Based Fabric-Reinforced Composites

Shape memory characteristics of woven glass and carbon fiber fabric reinforced epoxy resin-based composites were assessed in bending mode using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. The reinforcement strongly improved the recovery stress but impaired the bending deformability. Composites with asymmetric fabric lay-up showed better performance when the reinforced section experienced local tension than compression during flexural loading

Shape memory performance of asymmetrically reinforced epoxy/carbon fibre fabric composites in flexure

In this study asymmetrically reinforced epoxy (EP)/carbon fibre (CF) fabric composites were prepared and their shape memory properties were quantified in both unconstrained and fully constrained flexural tests performed in a dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). Asymmetric layering was achieved by incorporating two and four CF fabric layers whereby setting a resin- and reinforcement-rich layer ratio of 1/4 and 1/2, respectively. The recovery stress was markedly increased with increasing CF content. The related stress was always higher when the CF-rich layer experienced tension load locally. Specimens with CF-rich layers on the tension side yielded better shape fixity ratio, than those with reinforcement layering on the compression side. Cyclic unconstrained shape memory tests were also run up to five cycles on specimens having the CF-rich layer under local tension. This resulted in marginal changes in the shape fixity and recovery ratios

Toward reliable morphology assessment of thermosets via physical etching: Vinyl ester resin as an example

The morphology of peroxide-cured, styrene crosslinked, bisphenol A-based vinyl ester (VE) resin was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) after ‘physical’ etching with different methods. Etching was achieved by laser ablation, atmospheric plasma treatment and argon ion bombardment. Parameters of the etching were varied to get AFM scans of high topography resolution. VE exhibited a nanoscaled nodular structure the formation of which was ascribed to complex intra- and intermolecular reactions during crosslinking. The microstructure resolved after all the above physical etching techniques was similar provided that optimized etching and suitable AFM scanning conditions were selected. Nevertheless, with respect to the ‘morphology visualization’ these methods follow the power ranking: argon bombardment > plasma treatment > laser ablation

Design considerations for the use of laser-plasma accelerators for advanced space radiation studies

We present design considerations for the use of laser-plasma accelerators for mimicking space radiation and testing space-grade electronics. This novel application takes advantage of the inherent ability of laser-plasma accelerators to produce particle beams with exponential energy distribution, which is a characteristic shared with the hazardous relativistic electron flux present in the radiation belts of planets such as Earth, Saturn and Jupiter. Fundamental issues regarding laser-plasma interaction parameters, beam propagation, flux development, and experimental setup are discussed

Biodegradable polyester-based shape memory polymers: Concepts of (supra)molecular architecturing

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are capable of memorizing one or more temporary shapes and recovering to the permanent shape upon an external stimulus that is usually heat. Biodegradable polymers are an emerging family within the SMPs. This minireview delivers an overlook on actual concepts of molecular and supramolecular architectures which are followed to tailor the shape memory (SM) properties of biodegradable polyesters. Because the underlying switching mechanisms of SM actions is either related to the glass transition (Tg) or melting temperatures (Tm), the related SMPs are classified as Tg- or Tm-activated ones. For fixing of the permanent shape various physical and chemical networks serve, which were also introduced and discussed. Beside of the structure developments in one-way, also those in two-way SM polyesters were considered. Adjustment of the switching temperature to that of the human body, acceleration of the shape recovery, enhancement of the recovery stress, controlled degradation, and recycling aspects were concluded as main targets for the future development of SM systems with biodegradable polyesters

Shape memory performance of epoxy resin-based composites

One - way shape memory (SM) epoxy resin (SMEP) based systems and composites ha ve been produced and characterized. Incorporation of different reinforcements along with their positioning were used to improve the recovery stress of the corresponding systems. Attempt was made to provide SMEPs with additional functionalities, such as sel fhealing