Preparation and characterization of shape memory elastomeric composites

A shape memory elastomeric composite (SMEC) using a unique approach is successfully developed, besides the excellent shape memory performance and ease of fabrication, with its versatility and broad applicability. The SMEC used is composed of two commercially available polymers; a silicone rubber through a two step process, where the resulting nonwoven was then immersed in a two-part mixture of Sylard 184 and vacuum into the fiber mat. The thermal and mechanical properties of the Sylard/PCL composite were characterized using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The properties of the individual components can be easily controllers through overall shape memory behavior and materials properties, especially with the use of thermoplastic fibers so as to achieve different recovery stresses.